Whos the Speaker Studying Images in Merediths Lucifer

Who’s the Speaker? Studying Images in Meredith’s “Lucifer in Starlight”

OBJECTIVES l Define “analysis. ” l Apply the first vital question used whenever analyzing poetry. l Apply the second vital question used whenever analyzing poetry.

ANALYSIS The process of breaking down a whole into several separate parts.

Step #1: What’s Going On? • The most fundamental question to ask in analyzing poetry is: WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE POEM?

Step #2: Who is the Speaker? § Every poem has a “voice that speaks. § Identify his/her characteristics (What is he/she like? ) § Tone: What is his/her attitude toward the subject?

Lucifer in Starlight ON a starred night Prince Lucifer arose. Tired of his dark dominion swung the fiend Above the rolling ball in cloud part screened, Where sinners hugged the spectre of repose. Poor prey to his hot fit of pride were those. And now upon his western wing he leaned, Now his huge bulk over Afric's sands careened, Now the black planet sheltered Arctic snows. Soaring through wider zones that pricked his scars With memory of the old revolt from Awe, He reached a middle height, and at the stars Which are the brain of heaven, he looked, and sank. Around the ancient track marched, rank on rank, The army of unalterable law.

What’s going on in the poem? Who is the speaker? § Discuss with a partner. § Identify evidence from the poem to support your view. § Report out to class.

Study the pictures. § Which image of Lucifer do you think best reflects the subject of the poem?