Mary Oliver's "The Journey"

Welcome back for day 2 of the high school journey. We will continue to take our small steps together as we explore questions about who we are, where we fit in the world and what we hope to make of ourselves. I think this poem is good place for us to begin. Thanks for your good energy and attitude in these first few days. I am really excited to get to know each and every one of you better. Your introductory bubble maps and paragraphs will help.


Below is your homework assignment for Wednesday night. Plus, remember to bring your supplies to class on Thursday.

Read the following poem.
Summarize the main ideas of the poem through the key word notes strategy.
Write a paragraph on theme and language that is due on Thursday, September 10.

See detailed instructions below the poem.

The Journey
by Mary Oliver

One day you finally knew 1
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!" 10
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, 20
and the road full of fallen branches and stones.
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 you slowlyrecognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper 30
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do
determined to save
the only life you could save.

Writing Assignment
In response to Mary Oliver’s poem, “The Journey,” please write a well-organized, thoughtful paragraph considering the following questions:
What is the main idea or theme of the poem?
How does the author’s language enhance the poem’s meaning?

Paragraphs should consist of at least 5-7 complex sentences. Typed, double spaced, 12 pt. font. Due THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10.

Rubric: 1 = needs improvement 2 = good 3 = excellent

Ideas
___ Main points are clear
___ Detailed and specific analysis of the poem
___ Thematic examples are thoughtful and well-chosen
___ Specific examples of figurative language are mentioned and explained

Organization
___ Engaging, creative, and original attention-getting device
___ Clear thesis statement
___ Paragraph is cohesive and flows smoothly
___ Conclusion that summarizes and synthesizes