The Journey by Mary Oliver

Presentation

The Journey

by Mary Oliver

Lesson Standards

• 9.1(A)
• 9.2(A)
• 9.2(B)
• 9.3
• 9.4(E
• 9.5(C)
• 9.5(D)
• 9.5(G)
• 9.5(H)

Learning Intention

I will analyze the poem "The Journey" by Mary Oliver to understand its themes and literary devices, and express my interpretations through discussion and written reflection.

Language objective

1. Analyze poetic language and devices. 2. Express interpretations and opinions effectively. 3. Participate in a class discussion.

Success Criteria

1. Identify and discuss key themes and literary devices in "The Journey." 2. Engage actively in class discussion, offering insightful contributions. 3. Write a reflective paragraph expressing personal interpretations of the poem.

Essential Questions

1. What themes and emotions are conveyed in "The Journey" by Mary Oliver? 2. How does Mary Oliver use literary devices to enhance the poem's meaning? 3. What can we learn from the speaker's journey in the poem?

Warm Up

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About the Author

Mary Jane Oliver (September 10, 1935 – January 17, 2019) was an American poet who won the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize. Her work is inspired by nature, rather than the human world, stemming from her lifelong passion for solitary walks in the wild. It is characterized by a sincere wonderment at the impact of natural imagery, conveyed in unadorned language. In 2007, she was declared to be the country's best-selling poet.

As you read, pay attention to details that describe barriers to the journey in the poem. Write down any questions you generate during reading.

The Journey by Mary Oliver

One day you finally knew what you had to do, and began, though the voices around you kept shouting their bad advice— though the whole house began to tremble and you felt the old tug at your ankles. “Mend my life!” each voice cried. But you didn’t stop.You knew what you had to do, though the wind pried with its stiff fingers at the very foundations— though their melancholy was terrible. It was already late enough, and a wild night, and the road full of fallen branches and stones.

The Journey by Mary Oliver

But little by little, as you left their voices behind, the stars began to burn through the sheets of clouds, and there was a new voice, which was slowly recognized as your own, that kept you company as you strode deeper and deeper into the world, determined to do the only thing you could do— determined to save the only life you could save.

Discuss

- How does the speaker's journey in the poem relate to personal growth and self-discovery? - What does the forest symbolize in the poem? - How does Mary Oliver use descriptive language to create vivid imagery? - Share your own interpretation of the poem's message or lessons.

Discuss

• What kind of journey do you take in this poem?
• What obstacles need to be overcome to complete this journey.
• Is the journey worth the effort? Cite specific textual evidence to support your ideas.

Interpret figurative language

• Figurative language is language that communicates meanings beyond the literal meanings of words. In figurative language, words are often used to represent ideas and concepts they would not otherwise be associated with. Poets use figurative language to make interesting comparisons and to help readers see subjects in a new light.

• In “The Journey,” Mary Oliver uses two types of figurative language— personification and metaphor.

Figurative Language

Metaphors

Personification

Authors use metaphors to compare two things that are basically unlike, but have something in common. Unlike similes, metaphors do not use the words like or as. "The sea was a wild animal attacking the shore" An extended metaphor is a longer metaphor that continues the comparison at length, even throughout an entire poem or literary work.

Author's use personification to give human qualities to an object, animal, or idea. For example, an author might describe what a beach looks like during a storm by giving the sea human qualities. "The angry sea took hungry bites from the shore."

Reflective Writing

• You will write a brief paragraph (5-6 sentences) reflecting on the poem.
• You should discuss what you found most compelling or thought-provoking in the poem and why.

Quiz