The Convergence of the Twain p. 776 and Titanic p. 777

Briefly paraphrase both poems, then proceed to the next question.

Hardy wrote his poem in 1912, the same year that the Titanic went down.  Slavitt wrote his poem in 1983, more than seventy years later.  If it were published in 1912, how do you think Slavitt's poem would have been received?

To His Coy Mistress p. 767-69 & A Late Aubade p. 770-71

Although "To His Coy Mistress" and "A Late Aubade" are carpe diem poems, the speakers' ideas of "seizing the day" differ.  Briefly contrast the two poems.

To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time p. 766

"To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time" is a carpe diem poem.  The speaker urges his audience (virgins) to "seize the day" before it's too late.  How does the speaker develop his argument?  Briefly paraphrase the poem.

A Narrow Fellow in the Grass pp. 2-3

Although Dickinson never identifies that she is writing about a snake in "A Narrow Fellow in the Grass," several literary devices indicate so.  What's the significance of Dickinson's use of simple diction, syntax, and alliteration in the poem?  What message do you think the poem is sending?

Revelation pp. 455-69

What connections can be made between Flannery O'Connor's "Revelation" and the book of Revelation in the Bible?  If a moral can be tagged onto O'Connor's "Revelation," what would it be?

A Good Man Is Hard to Find pp. 430-40

Discuss Flannery O'Connor's portrayal of the family in "A Good Man Is Hard to Find."  Are they responsible for what happens to them?

The Minister's Black Veil & Young Goodman Brown

Compare "Young Goodman Brown" with "The Minister's Black Veil."  How are the themes of secret sin and hypocrisy seen in the two works?