GROUPTHINK

As we all decided which types of grids and which poems we were doing, we were able to have a well rounded analysis and discussion of the poems we chose. Each person has a different way of thinking which gives each and everyone of us a different perspective and different view of the poem. Also, we were all able to practice analyzing poems for multiple choice questions and essays if we are needed to do so.

GRIDLOCK

Bright star, would I were stedfast as thou art—

         Not in lone splendour hung aloft the night

And watching, with eternal lids apart,

         Like nature's patient, sleepless Eremite,

The moving waters at their priestlike task

         Of pure ablution round earth's human shores,

Or gazing on the new soft-fallen mask

         Of snow upon the mountains and the moors—

No—yet still stedfast, still unchangeable,

         Pillow'd upon my fair love's ripening breast,

To feel for ever its soft fall and swell,

         Awake for ever in a sweet unrest,

Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath,

And so live ever—or else swoon to death.

Bright Star

 by John Keats

Title- I feel the title explains what a bright star is.

Paraphrase- "And so live ever - or else swoon to death." can be live now or realize the inevitable death.

Connotation- "And watching, with eternal lids apart, Like nature's patient, sleepless Eremite" Star is in an eternal galaxy with no "lid" or end and sleepless at night.

Attitude- I feel the author's attitude is that it is in awe with the bright star.

Shift- A shift could be "Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath/And so live ever - or else swoon to death." This shifts from the bright star to his time with his lover.

Title Revisited - The title now reveals a whole new perspective of how the stars are in a never ending galaxy, they are a mask just like snow is on the mountains, and they bring a whole ambiance or mood between two lovers.

Theme - The theme of the poem is that stars aren't just decorations in the sky, but they mean so much more.

LIFE, believe, is not a dream
So dark as sages say;
Oft a little morning rain
Foretells a pleasant day. 
Sometimes there are clouds of gloom,
But these are transient all;
If the shower will make the roses bloom,
O why lament its fall ? 

Rapidly, merrily,
Life's sunny hours flit by,
Gratefully, cheerily,
Enjoy them as they fly ! 

What though Death at times steps in
And calls our Best away ?
What though sorrow seems to win,
O'er hope, a heavy sway ?
Yet hope again elastic springs,
Unconquered, though she fell;
Still buoyant are her golden wings,
Still strong to bear us well.
Manfully, fearlessly,
The day of trial bear,
For gloriously, victoriously,
Can courage quell despair ! 

Life by Charlotte Bronte

Title- A poem about life.

Paraphrase - "If the shower will make the roses bloom,

O why lament its fall ? " This can be paraphrased as "Rain falls which allows flowers to bloom. Why do we complain when it rains?"

Connotation - "Rapidly, merrily,

Life's sunny hours flit by,
Gratefully, cheerily,
Enjoy them as they fly ! " Enjoy life now as time flies by!

Attitude - I feel the attitude of the author towards the poem is of optimism and eagerness.

Shift- A shift could be "LIFE, believe, is not a dream

So dark as sages say;
Oft a little morning rain
Foretells a pleasant day. " because it tells about we always see things in a dark way such as a little rain ruins our day, but it really actually makes our day better.

Title Revisited - Now, I feel that the title means that Life is full of dark times and happy times.

Theme - Always make sure to enjoy every aspect of life, the good and the bad.

SEVENTH READING

I apologize. I got home at around 9PM. Just finished a whole review for physics and a whole unit review for microeconomics. Will try to get back at this in the morning. As for now, I am in a group with Jenna, Serena, Eli, and Miranda. We have chosen Life by Char Bronte, Hope by Emily Dickenson, and Bright Star by John Keats.

It's Poetry Boot Camp time. I know. It is also crunch time.