Daffodils by William Wordsworth Poetry Analysis Frame HOMEWORK

NO CREDIT WILL BE EARNED IF QUESTIONS ARE NOT RESTATED and ANSWERS ARE NOT SUPPORTED WITH SPECIFIC DETAILS/EVIDENCE FROM THE POEM ALL QUESTIONS ARE EXTENDED RESPONSE WHERE ANSWERS REQUIRE A RESTATEMENT OF THE QUESTION AND A MINIMUM OF 3 SUPPORTING IDEAS AND DETAILS TO SUPPORT EACH IDEA.

Basic Analysis 1. What is this poem about?

"Daffodils" (1804) I wanderd lonely as a cloud That floats on high o'er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze. Continuous as the stars that shine And twinkle on the Milky Way, They stretch'd in never-ending line Along the margin of a bay: Ten thousand saw I at a glance, Tossing their heads in sprightly dance. The waves beside them danced; but they Out-did the sparkling waves in glee: A poet could not but be gay, In such a jocund company: I gazed -- and gazed -- but little thought What wealth the show to me had brought: For oft, when on my couch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood, They flash upon that inward eye Which is the bliss of solitude; And then my heart with pleasure fills, And dances with the daffodils.

2.

Who is the speaker?

3.

Where does the poem take place?

4.

What event or situation is described?

5.

What is the main idea, image, or message of this poem?

In-Depth Analysis 1. Describe the speakers attitude toward the people or situation in this poem. Support your answer with specific details from the text.

2.

What does the scene or setting contribute to the poem?

3.

Poems are quite powerful when they compare or contrast two things (for example good and evil, love and hate, beauty and waste). Does the poet compare or contrast anything? If so, what?

4.

What does the title add to your understanding of the poem?

5.

Poems are meant to stir you to think or feel in new ways about a topic or situation. Was this poem successful in doing this for you? Discuss.