Reading and Re-Reading

Learning from a First Reading

typehand.gif (8738 bytes) Return to your word processor (maximize or re-open it*). Based on your reading of page 3 of the website and your own experience, what do readers generally learn from a first reading of a poem?

*Click here for a hint on re-opening a word processor. Click your browser's "Back" button to return to this page.

IN BRIEF: When readers first approach a poem, they usually--
1. Look for clues about what's going on--the literal situation

2. Draw on their prior knowledge to make sense of any words that stand out or images that form in their minds.

3. Look for further clues to confirm or change their first impressions.

4. React emotionally to the speaker and the situation.

Learning from Re-reading

typehand.gif (8738 bytes) Return to your word processor to answer this question: What could readers gain from re-reading a poem like "The Death of the Ball Turret Gunner"? List as many valid ideas as you can.

The URL for this page is: http://vccslitonline.vccs.edu/Reading Poetry/inbrief.htm