It's a Process
How can you be ready for the next poem you encounter?
Goal:
Goal:
Did you notice that we used a set of steps to interpret the figurative language in "After Yesterday"? You can use this process to interpret similes, metaphors, and personification in any poem you happen to read. Study the example on the slides below to make sure you know what to do.
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First, identify the figurative language in the poem or passage.
The figurative language in this poem is "The purple dust of twilight steals across the meadows of our hearts!" Next, think about what the individual words mean. Look up unfamiliar words if necessary.
Twilight is the time between daylight and full darkness. Sometimes people also use twilight to mean the end of a person's life. The poet is saying that twilight sneaks into our hearts. Make some guesses about what the poet is trying to say by using figurative language in this way.
The poet may be saying that darkness (or night) takes us unaware. Since he is talking about a funeral, he also could be saying that old age has a way of taking us by surprise. Once you think you understand the figurative language, go back and read the poem again. Does your interpretation make sense with the other verses around it?
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