Between the Lines

Imagery, Metaphor, and Symbolism in Poetry Lecture

Organizer

1. Let’s Recall! In at least 4 sentences answer the following questions.

What is imagery? What are metaphors and symbols? What is their purpose, how are
they used and how do they help bring poetry to life? How would writing be affected if
these forms of figurative language did not exist?

2. Let’s Review! Write down the definition for imagery:

a. Imagery: Imagery is the name given to the ________________ in a poem that
spark off the ____________. Despite "image" being a synonym for "picture",
images need not be only ____________; any of the five senses
(________________________________________________________________
______) can respond to what a poet writes.

3. “Harlem: A Dream Deferred” by

Langston Hughes
a. Examples of Imagery:
i. Sight:
ii. Taste:
iii. Touch:
iv. Smell:
 v. Sound:
b. What is the poem’s unspoken message about going after your dreams?

4. “Juicy” by Biggie Smalls

a. What images/words does the poet use to evoke images of the poverty he lived
through before he became famous?

b. Line 16 claims that “birthdays were the worst days.” What does that
make you picture in your head. What images/scenarios can you
imagine?

c. What images/words does Biggie use to show the rewards of wealth and hip-hop
fame?

d. How is this poem similar or different from “Harlem: A Dream Deferred ”?

1. Let’s Review! Write the definition for:

a. Metaphor: A metaphor is a ______________________between two things

without using ________ or ____.

2. When thinking about metaphors, you need to think about ____________________

(________________________________) nouns vs. __________________
(__________________________) nouns.

3. Tangible vs. intangible nouns

a. Make a list of 5+ tangible nouns:
1)
2)
3)
 4)
5)
b. Make a list of 5+ intangible nouns:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)

c. Use your list to make three metaphor statements. Use the sentence frame:

“________________ is ________________ because _____________.”

i.
ii.
iii.

4. “Caged Bird” by Maya Angelou

Caged Bird for the caged bird   

BY MAYA ANGELOU sings of freedom.

A free bird leaps The free bird thinks of another breeze

on the back of the wind    and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and floats downstream    and the fat worms waiting on a dawn bright lawn
till the current ends and he names the sky his own
and dips his wing
in the orange sun rays But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams   
and dares to claim the sky. his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream   
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied   
But a bird that stalks so he opens his throat to sing.
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through The caged bird sings   
his bars of rage with a fearful trill   
his wings are clipped and    of things unknown   
his feet are tied but longed for still   
so he opens his throat to sing. and his tune is heard   
on the distant hill   
The caged bird sings    for the caged bird   
with a fearful trill    sings of freedom.
of things unknown   
but longed for still    Maya Angelou, “Caged Bird” from Shaker, Why
and his tune is heard    Don't You Sing? Copyright © 1983 by Maya
on the distant hill    Angelou. Used by permission of Random
House, an imprint and division of Penguin
Random House LLC. All rights reserved

a. Angelou uses several____________________ to convey

______________________________________________experienced by the
____________________________________________________ throughout
(and before) the history of the United States.

b. Find an example of a metaphor in the poem:

c. What is being compared?

5. Let’s Review! Write the definition for:

a. Symbolism: When an author uses an
________________________________________________________________
______________________________________, to represent a deeper
______________. Authors use symbolism to suggest a certain
__________________________________________ rather than blatantly say it.

b. Draw 3 symbols and label what they represent.

1)

2)
3)

6. "The Rose That Grew From Concrete" by Tupac Shakur

a. The Symbols
 ● A rose, which is traditionally____________________ and often
associated with ________, requires
______________________________________. Unlike weeds or
wildflowers, which are hardy and can thrive in harsh environments, a rose
___________ grow by accident. The rose ____________________ a
person who has
_______________________________________________.

● Concrete represents__________________________ that aren't

conducive to growth. The concrete conjures images associated with
_____________________, such as crime, poverty, or a drug-addicted
caretaker.

Your ‘Between the Lines’ Poem

Now that you are all experts on imagery, metaphors and symbols, think of an object, idea,
or person that is important to you. Write your own 10-15 lined poem incorporating at
least two forms of figurative language we examined. Make sure to underline your
examples of imagery, metaphors or symbols. Remember to stick to the conventions of
poetry and to correctly implement your use of the literary device(s) you choose.