Day 1

The Portent Lesson Plan

Discussion of Thought Questions

  1. 1

    What images are present in the poem? What sticks out and why? Discuss the importance of these images.

    The two most prominent images of the poem are those of John Brown hanging from the beam and the meteor that is mentioned at the end of poem. The constellations of images associated with John Brown hanging serve to give texture and weight to John Brown's execution, but the final image serves to comment on what John Brown's violent rebellion and violent death point to: the coming Civil War.

  2. 2

    What does the speaker mean when they write, "Hidden in the cap / Is the anguish none can draw"?

    The speaker is saying that the hood that John brown wears while...

Join Now to View Premium Content

GradeSaver provides access to 2368 study guide PDFs and quizzes, 11018 literature essays, 2791 sample college application essays, 926 lesson plans, and ad-free surfing in this premium content, “Members Only” section of the site! Membership includes a 10% discount on all editing orders.

Join Now

Already a member? Log in