William Carlos Williams: Poems Lesson Plan

Two Poems on Spring

Kind of Activity:

Group Discussion

Objective:

Students will compare and contrast two poems that undermine the typical symbolism of spring

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.2, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.9, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.11-12.5

Structure:

Break the class up into small groups of 3-4 and make lists of things they commonly associate with spring (the list should include nature, objects, activities, feelings, etc.).

Once they are finished with their lists, have them read WCW's "The Widow's Lament in Springtime" and "Spring" by Edna St. Vincent Millay.

The students will then discuss what each poem is about, noting any overlapping...