Literary Device: Metaphor

1. Literary Device: Metaphor Like a simile, a metaphor is a form of figurative language that makes a comparison between two different things. Unlike a simile, it does NOT use the connective words “like” or “as” to make this comparison. Example: The sky flowed out over the earth, a large, blue blanket.

2. “Bereft”Robert Frost Where had I heard this wind before Change like this to a deeper roar? What would it take my standing there for, Holding open a restive door, Looking down hill to a frothy shore? Summer was past and the day was past. Sombre clouds in the west were massed. Out on the porch's sagging floor, Leaves got up in a coil and hissed, Blindly struck at my knee and missed. Something sinister in the tone Told me my secret must be known: Word I was in the house alone Somehow must have gotten abroad, Word I was in my life alone, Word I had no one left but God.

3. “Bereft” – Author’s Purpose • What is the overall tone of the poem? What is the major emotion expressed within this poem? (Hint: What is the meaning of the word bereft?) ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The word “bereft” describes suffering from the death of a loved one. The overall tone of the poem could be described as desolate, paranoid, and grieving. The major emotions encompass grief, loneliness, fear, and destitution.

4. “Bereft” – Author’s Purpose The deep, roaring wind… The frothy, stormy shore… • What elements of the setting and/or provided details concerning the speaker’s situation heighten this major emotion or tone within the poem? The restive door, held open by the speaker… The sagging porch floor… Gloomy clouds in the west sky… Everyone is aware the speaker is alone…

5. “Bereft” – Author’s Purpose • What two things are being compared within this poem through the use of a metaphor? (Hint: Examine the description of the leaves.) The ______ are compared to a _____ through the use of the words ______ and ________. • How does this sneaky metaphor directly enhance the meaning and tone of the poem already established through setting details and the title of the poem itself?___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ leaves snake “coil” “hissed” Like a striking snake, this hidden metaphor heightens the threatening sense of landscape and oppressive tone of the poem - underscoring the unsettling nature of grief.

6. Answer the essay question below: • In Robert Frost’s “Bereft”, the poet examines the emotionally threatening nature of grief. Using relevant direct text evidence and insightful commentary, write a well-organized response examining how the author uses both details and metaphor to heighten the poem’s tonal impact. Red – Major Writing Task Blue – Minor Insights/Instructions