The Chimney Sweeper

Consider the following questions for the poem that you have chosen: • What is or are the theme(s) of the poem? • Is there a literal setting or situation in the poem? What lines from the poem tell the reader this information? What details does the author include? • Is the setting symbolic? • How would you describe the mood of the poem? What elements contribute to this mood? • Is the title significant to the poem’s content or meaning? How? • What major literary devices and figures of speech does the poet use to communicate the theme(s)? • How are rhyme and other metrical devices used in the poem? Do they support the poem’s overall meaning? Why or why not? • Is the identity of the poem’s narrator clear? How would you describe this person? What information, if any, does the author provide about him or her? • Does the narrator seem to have a certain opinion of or attitude about the poem’s subject matter? How can you tell?