Abstract
found of arousing student interest in poetry and of evoking class discussions about it. As a teacher of literature, I have often been a participant in exchanges similar to the one below. The scene is a college classroom and the course a survey of American literature. INSTRUCTOR. Beyond the obvious, literal meaning, does anyone find any symbolic overtones in the speaker's references to apple-picking? (The students quickly cast their eyes downward and begin to scribble furiously in their notebooks. Finally, out of the corner of his eye, the instructor detects a hand raised to a semi-vertical position just above a desk top.) Yes, Miss Jones? (Relieved, the other students cease writing and peer at Miss Jones.) MISS JONES. (hopefully) Well, I think Frost may be referring to the plight of the migrant farm-worker in California. (She crinkles her nose and flashes the instructor a winsome smile.) INSTRUCTOR. That's no commonplace reading, Miss Jones. Does the poem offer supportive evidence for your interpretation? We've said that the meaning of a symbol must lie within the poem, not outside it.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
