By: Constance Fenimore Woolson

Cassie Check

The Florida Beach

The Florida BeachLyric Poem

Rhyming Verse

The Florida Beachiambs = one short and one long as in abovetrochees = one long and one short as in appledactyls = one long and two short as in tenderlyanapests = two short and one log as in unawarespondee= a stressed syllable followed by another syllable of

approximately equal stress, as in "hot dog"

~ / ~ / ~ / ~ /Far to the south the beach shines on, ~ / ~ / ~ /Dotted with giant shells; ~ / ~ / ~ / ~ /Coral sprays from the white reef won, ~ / ~ / ~ /Radiate spiny cells;

The meter of the poem is iambic tetrameter alternated with iambic trimeter.

anapest (~~/ )

iamb ( ~/) spondee (//)

dactyl ( /~~)trochee ( /~ )

The Florida BeachThe theme of the poem involves focusing on the

elements of nature that create the ocean and shore. The poet describes all the wonderful natural aspects that combine to create the Florida coast. She writes about all the sights and sounds she encounters looking at the beach from aboard a boat, not wanting to disturb the nature untouched by man. She reminds the reader how wonderfully simple nature is, not wanting to leave this peaceful place at the end of the poem.

The Florida Beach

The mocking-bird keeps on his song

In the low palmetto near;

The mockingbird symbolizes innocence. It is a creature that does no harm to anybody and only provides joy to others by singing its song.

The Florida BeachIMAGERY

The poet’s lines are detailed and descriptive that portray the images

she sees.

Fire burns drowsilyGlass-like creatures that ride the wavesSluggish streamDreamy veil the fog has spun

The Florida Beach

The poem describes the aspects and characteristics of nature that all together form The Florida Beach,

the title of the poem.

The Florida BeachThe meaning of the poem is to marvel

at how wonderfully the beach exists undisturbed. She implies how

perfect the beach setting is because it has not been marked by human

touch.

About Constance Fenimore Woolson American novelist and short story

writer Born in New Hampshire, but

moved to Ohio after the death of her three sisters from scarlet fever

Published her first novel Anne in 1880, followed by three others: East Angels (1886), Jupiter Lights (1889) and Horace Chase (1894)

Suffered from long periods of depression and isolation due to a hearing impairment that brought on increasing deafness

Moved to St. Augustine, Florida after the Civil War

March 5, 1840 – January 24, 1894

By: Cassie Check

Always With MeBy my side morning, noon, and night.Protecting me without reservation and guiding me through temptation.Teaching me right from wrong—good and

bad.Enlightening me of life’s importance.Reminding me of everyday blessings andcreating miracles with no explanation.Acknowledging my faults and failures byovershadowing my every move.Observing my trials and tribulations andcomforting me through times of need.Leading me on the right path.Preparing me for eternal life.

…MY Guardian Angel

Presented by: Cassie Check

Date: September 28, 2009 Class: ECE 3602

Bibliography:Burleson, Carolyn O. "Exploring Poetry." Poets' Corner. The Poets'

Corner Editorial Staff. Web. 25 Sept. 2009. <http://www.theotherpages.org/poems/>.