help for poem analyzing~
A Prayer

Today, Lord, grant me
The sagacity, courage, and proficiency
To carry out my duties well
And not to find it difficult

To do all that I can
To alleviate the distress
Of all those who are ill
And longing for a cure.

I ask for Your support, Lord
That my work may yield fruit
And I will bring hope
To the heart of the ailing.

My lips speak words of comfort
To soothe the weary heart
In my eyes, a gentle look that speaks
With compassion and empathy.

Make my hands ever gentle,
That with them I will assist the sick
And fill my heart with love and kindness
To support their every effort.

Grant me fortitude and patience
When sighs of suffering surround me
So that, with a consoling smile
I will inspire hearts to tranquillity.

1. Paraphrase the poem above. What is the literal meaning or plot? What's going on in the poem?

2. What are the poetic devices (figurative language) in the poem? How do they contribute to the meaning/how do they effect the poem?

3. What is the tone of the poem? Examine diction, imagery, and details.

4. What is the shift in the poem? Trace changes in the feelings of the speaker from beginning to the end.

5. Interpret the title.

6. Summarize the plot in a paragraph.

7. List subject(s) of the poem. (move from literal to abstract)
8. What is the poet saying about each subject?
9.Key Elements of each line.

Thanks again!

Question

help for poem analyzing~
A  Prayer

Today, Lord, grant me
The sagacity, courage, and proficiency
To carry out my duties well
And not to find it difficult

To do all that I can
To alleviate the distress
Of all those who are ill
And longing for a cure.

I ask for Your support, Lord
That my work may yield fruit
And I will bring hope
To the heart of the ailing.

My lips speak words of comfort
To soothe the weary heart
In my eyes, a gentle look that speaks
With compassion and empathy.

Make my hands ever gentle,
That with them I will assist the sick
And fill my heart with love and kindness
To support their every effort.

Grant me fortitude and patience
When sighs of suffering surround me
So that, with a consoling smile
I will inspire hearts to tranquillity.

1. Paraphrase the poem above. What is the literal meaning or plot? What's going on in the poem?

2. What are the poetic devices (figurative language) in the poem? How do they contribute to the meaning/how do they effect the poem?

3. What is the tone of the poem? Examine diction, imagery, and details.

4. What is the shift in the poem? Trace changes in the feelings of the speaker from beginning to the end.

5. Interpret the title.

6. Summarize the plot in a paragraph.

7. List subject(s) of the poem. (move from literal to abstract)
8. What is the poet saying about each subject?
9.Key Elements of each line.

Thanks again!

Answer

We are not here to do your homework for you. I suggest that you sit down with a group of your class mates and read the poem out aloud. Then this italki site will help you. Scroll down to the section: How to analyze poetry.

http://www.italki.com/knowledge/page/Poetry%20exercises%20for%20students%20learning%20English.htm

Answers · 1

Still haven’t found your answers?

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!