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NZ Poetry Analysis

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NZ Poetry Analysis

Read the original poem below. Then use evidence from its words and images to explain how the poet creates meaning. There may be more than one reasonable interpretation; support yours with details from the poem.

After the Downpour

The hills pull on their grey-green cloaks. Rain drums softly on the roof; then runs in bright threads down the glass. A kererū shifts among the branches, ruffling its damp, white waistcoat. The stream, brown with hurried earth, argues with stones beneath the bridge. By morning, the clouds have loosened. Puddles hold pieces of blue sky, and every leaf lifts its small mirror to the sun.

Notice the craft

Look closely at the poet’s word choices, comparisons and sound.

1.In “The hills pull on their grey-green cloaks”, which poetic device is used most clearly?

Simile
Personification
Onomatopoeia
Rhyme

2.“Rain drums softly on the roof” uses a sound word. Identify the word and explain how it helps you imagine the rain.

3.Complete the comparison: The puddles “hold pieces of sky”. What does this image suggest about the puddles?

4.Which phrase is the best example of a metaphor in the poem?

“among the branches”
“bright threads down the glass”
“beneath the bridge”
“By morning”

Build an interpretation

Use short quotations as evidence. Explain not only what a device is, but what it makes the reader notice or feel.

5.True or false? The stream is presented as calm and still in “The stream, brown with hurried earth, / argues with stones beneath the bridge.” Give one word or phrase that supports your answer.

TrueFalse

6.The kererū is described as “ruffling its damp, white waistcoat”. What does “waistcoat” make you picture, and how does this description bring the bird to life?

7.How does the mood change between the rainy opening and the final three lines? Use one detail from each part to support your answer.

8.What might “every leaf lifts its small mirror / to the sun” suggest about the natural world after rain? Explain your interpretation using the image in the line.

Try a poet’s choices

Make a deliberate choice of image or sound, then explain its effect.

9.Write two original lines about a New Zealand place or weather. Include either a simile or personification, and underline or identify the device.

10.Choose one word from the poem that you think has the strongest effect. Quote it and explain why it is more effective than a plain, literal word might be.