Metaphors!Agenda November 8, 2011:

Introduction- Watch “Metaphor” Video

discuss the meaning of a metaphor

Activity- Read Sylvia Plath’s Metaphors as a class

discuss the piece in small groups

Activity- Create individual “I Am” poems

Closure- Students volunteer to read aloud their “I am” poems

Metaphor Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFgRj-5d5Ac&feature=related

Defining MetaphorMetaphor (n):

1. A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.

2. A thing regarded as representative or symbolic of something else, esp. something abstract.

Examples:

Farmer of the sea = fisherman

“I am a night owl”= someone who stays up late

“Metaphors” by Sylvia Plath

I’m a riddle in nine syllables,An elephant, a ponderous house.A melon strolling on two tendrils.O red fruit, ivory, fine timbers!This loaf’s big with its yeasty rising.Money’s new-minted in this fat purse.I’m a means, a stage, a cow in calf.I’ve eaten a bag of green apples, Boarded the train there’s no getting off.

Activity for “Metaphors”You will...

1. Actively listen to a second reading of Plath’s Metaphors.

2. Identify 3 metaphors Plath uses in the poem.

3. Interpret the meaning of Plath’s metaphors and how they represent her as a person.

Fill in the “Metaphor” worksheet with your metaphor and interpretation.

“I am” poem

I am _______,

_______ , _______,

I am _______ ,

I have _______ .

I am an endless ceiling, an aquarium, a ticking clock, I am art

in a museum, I have been to the

bottom of the ocean.

---Example of “I am” Poem

Activity- “I am” poem

After hearing an example of an “I am” poem, you will use the template worksheet to create your own.

Remember! Be as creative and descriptive as you possibly can be. Teachers will be strolling the classroom to answer any of your questions. Happy Writing!

To wrap up class...

Take the last few minutes of the period to read your poem aloud to the class. We will be calling on volunteers to read their poem aloud.

Remember! When you read your poem aloud- speak loudly, confidently, and don’t worry about any mistakes that might be made; start again or just read through it.