Understanding Images in PoetryEffective dissection and image analysis

Translations

• In talking about word order, tone, and diction, we must also look at translations.

• How may a particular translation affect our experience of a work?

• What might be the goals of translation?

Sappho

• Considered to be one of the greatest female poets• Born around 630 BC in Lesbos, a Greek Island• The bulk of her poetry has been lost• She was exiled to Sicily from Lesbos• She may have a had a daughter before she was exiled• Reasons for exile are debated, but one theory is that it was due to

political upheaval in the area• Many scholars argue that Sappho was a lesbian, and much of her work

suggests this, but this is also debated• Legend has it that she killed herself over a lover by jumping from a cliff• Most of her poetry centers on love and passion

Sappho

Discussion

• In a group, look at the three translations of Sappho’s Aphrodite poem starting on p. 831

• What changes in each translation?• Which one do you prefer and why?

Poetry Slams—Connecting Sound with Images

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfWIuymme50• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6wJl37N9C0

Images

• An image is language that addresses the senses.• Poetry aims to connect with the senses.• Images give us the physical world to experience in our

imaginations.

William Carlos Williams’ “Poem” p. 838

• What senses does this poem connect with?• What image did you picture?• What was effective?• What was ineffective?

Writing Exercise, Lucinda Roy’s “Carousel”

• What images stuck out to you?• Who is the speaker? What image does the speaker give

of herself? Race? Nationality?• What symbols do you notice in the poem?• Write a short response in which you address these

questions and respond with your reaction to the poem.

H.D.’s “Heat” p. 846

• Is this poem more about heat or fruit?• What are the images in this poem?• What makes the line about the cutting plow in lines 10-13

effective?

With a Partner

With a partner, choose ONE poem and write answers to the following questions.

• “Root Celler” on p. 842 OR “Dover Beach” on p. 843• What senses are engaged by the poem?• What are the details in the poem? Why might the writer

have chosen these particular details? What are left out?• What is the mood of the poem?• What phrases stuck out particularly to you?