WORDS

DenotationConnotation

Lyrical

DENOTATION

The dictionary definition of a word. Look up two different dictionary

definitions for the following words: sharp lead

What did you find?

CONNOTATION

The feelings associated with a word. Three types of connotation:

Positive Neutral Negative

List three words that have the same denotative meaning of “old” but that can be identified as Positive Neutral Negative

What did you come up with?

DENOTATION AND CONNOTATION IN POETRY Read the following poem, keeping denotation and connotation in mind:

“Things”

by Fleur Adcock

 

There are worse things than having behaved foolishly in public.

There are worse things than these miniature betrayals,

committed or endured or suspected; there are worse things

than not being able to sleep for thinking about them.

It is 5 a.m. All the worse things come stalking in

and stand icily about the bed looking worse and worse and worse.

 

DENOTATION AND CONNOTATION IN POETRY Now read the poem for a second time and then answer the questions

that follow:

“Things”

by Fleur Adcock

 

There are worse things than having behaved foolishly in public.

There are worse things than these miniature betrayals,

committed or endured or suspected; there are worse things

than not being able to sleep for thinking about them.

It is 5 a.m. All the worse things come stalking in

and stand icily about the bed looking worse and worse and worse.

 

1. Why does the author use “things” instead of other more specific words?

2. How does the subject matter of the poem develop the connotation of the word “things”?

LYRICAL

The way words sound when spoken together and spoken separately. Creates a musical aspect in language. Can underscore important ideas, themes, or emotions.

LYRICAL

Sounds words make: One word alone can make a sound:

Onomatopoeia

Words together can make a sound: Alliteration

Rhyme

LYRICAL

Read the Beginning of Dulce et Decorum Est:

Bent double, like old beggars under sacks,

Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge,

Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs

And towards our distant rest began to trudge.

Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots

But limped on, blood-shod. All went lame; all blind;

Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots

Of tired, outstripped Five-Nines that dropped behind.

LYRICAL

Describe the sounds patterns you notice, using strong and precise adjectives.

Describe what effect do these sounds have on you, the reader.

Analyze how this effect makes you feel? Think?

LYRICAL: CONSTRUCT YOUR OWN

Write a poem or rap that uses lyrical words to convey meaning.

Examples: A sneaky person might use a lot of “S” sounds to evoke a sinister,

snake-like nature A bad poet might try to rhyme everything he says, highlighting he is

a bad poet OR: http://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvPnM2Q1nwU&feature=related

You may work in partners and complete the poem/rap on one piece of paper between the two of you. Be prepared to share with the class.