High School

Read the poem and then answer the questions about it.

"Pretty girl, with faraway eyes
Why do you look with such surprise?
How did you get to be so wise?
Old girl in young girl disguise."

Let's analyze the poem by looking at each line. On the following lines, write what you think the badchan may mean. Put it in your own words and try to interpret what the badchan sees in Hannah and is trying to convey to her. Do not be afraid to express your thoughts. There are no wrong answers.

Answer :

Final answer:

The poem suggests a contrast between youth and experience, and analyzing its elements reveals layers of meaning and technique. Imagery, tone, structure, and poetic devices like rhyme and rhythm are important in understanding the poem's message and the emotions it evokes.

Explanation:

The poem seems to portray a young girl with an old soul, as hinted by the line 'Old girl in young girl disguise.' When analyzing poetry, it's important to consider various elements such as the poem's title, structure, line breaks, diction, tone, and the images it evokes. Each line's ending word can affect the poem's rhythm and flow. The tone can shift across the poem, influencing how we interpret the imagery and the narrative being conveyed. By examining these aspects and the images presented, like the 'faraway eyes' of the girl, one can extract deeper meanings and connections within the poem as well as broader human experiences.

Images and tone are crucial in the poem's analysis. The imagery can help us understand the emotions conveyed and the tone shifts, which may add complexity to the narrative. For example, the 'faraway eyes' could symbolize wisdom beyond the girl's years, eliciting feelings of curiosity or pensiveness. It's also beneficial to look at the structure and examine thematic symbols, such as looms or rivers, which often have universal and specific meanings within a poem.

Reading the poem aloud can reveal the importance of rhyme and rhythm. Repetition and alliteration are poetic techniques that can create a musical quality, amplify meaning, or enhance the mood. Finally, questioning whether the speaking voice shifts during the poem and if the addressee remains constant can offer insights into the changing dynamics within the poem.