Activity Overview
Students will deepen their understanding of “Those Winter Sundays” by analyzing the author’s word choice. The rich subtext of the poem is accessible to students when they take the time to study the careful diction and sound devices. Use a T-chart or grid format to encourage students to break down a few specific words in the poem and discuss their possible implications. Providing a visual alongside their poem analysis will help students remember the poem more clearly and allow them to better share their interpretation with classmates.
“Those Winter Sundays” Word Choice
DICTION
The speaker's father "got up early/and put his clothes on" each day. The clunky, simplistic phrasing helps characterize the father as a simple, country laborer. He works with his hands and may have limited education.
The speaker himself uses smoother diction to explain that he "would rise and dress". The sophisticated verbs "rise" and "dress" suggest a difference between the son and the father. The son seems more educated and most likely does not rely on hard labor to subsist.
SOUND DEVICES
The poem contains several instances of alliteration in phrases such as "blue black cold" and "banked fires blaze". The repetition of the "b" sounds suggests the cold. It evokes the sound of winter wind, shivering lips, and the expression "brrrr".
Further alliteration with words like "clothes", "cold", "cracked", "call", and "chronic" echoes the splintering and breaking the speaker mentions. The alliterative "c" mimics the sound of ice cracking or cold boards snapping and creaking. These unsettling sounds call to mind the speaker’s cold family life and the chasm between him and his father.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard illustrating the author's word choice in the poem.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- In one column, identify examples of diction.
- In the other column, identify examples of sound devices.
- Illustrate each example with scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Students will deepen their understanding of “Those Winter Sundays” by analyzing the author’s word choice. The rich subtext of the poem is accessible to students when they take the time to study the careful diction and sound devices. Use a T-chart or grid format to encourage students to break down a few specific words in the poem and discuss their possible implications. Providing a visual alongside their poem analysis will help students remember the poem more clearly and allow them to better share their interpretation with classmates.
“Those Winter Sundays” Word Choice
DICTION
The speaker's father "got up early/and put his clothes on" each day. The clunky, simplistic phrasing helps characterize the father as a simple, country laborer. He works with his hands and may have limited education.
The speaker himself uses smoother diction to explain that he "would rise and dress". The sophisticated verbs "rise" and "dress" suggest a difference between the son and the father. The son seems more educated and most likely does not rely on hard labor to subsist.
SOUND DEVICES
The poem contains several instances of alliteration in phrases such as "blue black cold" and "banked fires blaze". The repetition of the "b" sounds suggests the cold. It evokes the sound of winter wind, shivering lips, and the expression "brrrr".
Further alliteration with words like "clothes", "cold", "cracked", "call", and "chronic" echoes the splintering and breaking the speaker mentions. The alliterative "c" mimics the sound of ice cracking or cold boards snapping and creaking. These unsettling sounds call to mind the speaker’s cold family life and the chasm between him and his father.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard illustrating the author's word choice in the poem.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- In one column, identify examples of diction.
- In the other column, identify examples of sound devices.
- Illustrate each example with scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Poet\'s Word Choice - “Those Winter Sundays”
Incorporate Word Choice Analysis Into a Classroom Discussion
Invite students to share specific words or phrases from the poem aloud, then ask guiding questions about why the poet might have chosen those words. This approach helps students think more deeply about author intent and encourages active participation.
Display Examples Visually for Deeper Understanding
Use a whiteboard or digital tool to chart examples of diction and sound devices side by side. Annotate with student ideas about tone or meaning, making abstract concepts more concrete and memorable.
Connect Word Choice to Emotion and Theme
Prompt students to link specific words to feelings or themes in the poem, such as family relationships or winter hardship. This builds empathy and helps students interpret the poem’s deeper layers.
Encourage Peer Feedback on Analysis
Have students share their T-charts or grids in pairs or small groups, offering feedback on each other's word choices and interpretations. Peer discussion cultivates critical thinking and validates diverse perspectives.
Guide Students to Write Their Own Word-Rich Poetry
Challenge students to craft a short poem using intentional diction and sound devices, inspired by “Those Winter Sundays.” Reflect together on how word choice shapes meaning and mood.
Frequently Asked Questions about Poet\'s Word Choice - “Those Winter Sundays”
What is the significance of word choice in 'Those Winter Sundays'?
Word choice in "Those Winter Sundays" shapes how readers understand the father and son. Simple diction for the father and smoother, more sophisticated words for the son highlight their differences and add layers of meaning to the poem.
How can I teach students to analyze diction and sound devices in poetry?
Encourage students to use a T-chart or grid to break down examples of diction and sound devices from the poem. Discuss each word's possible implications and have students illustrate examples for deeper understanding.
What are examples of sound devices in 'Those Winter Sundays'?
Examples include alliteration like "blue black cold" and "banked fires blaze." The repeated "b" and "c" sounds mimic the cold and create a sensory effect that reflects the poem's mood and family dynamics.
Why is a visual organizer helpful for poem analysis?
A visual organizer, such as a T-chart, helps students clearly separate and compare diction and sound devices. Visuals make analysis more memorable and support students in sharing their interpretations with classmates.
What is a simple lesson plan for teaching word choice in 'Those Winter Sundays'?
Have students read the poem, then use a T-chart to identify examples of diction and sound devices. Ask them to illustrate each example, then share and discuss interpretations as a class or in groups.
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