Close Reading and Inference Assignment

During the last class, we defined a number of key terms: denotation, association, connotation, context, and inference. We also discussed how an author's word choice (diction) and selection of detail are the keys we as close readers need to focus on if we are to be able to "read between the lines": that is, infer understanding and meaning beyond the literal.

For next class, the assignment is to read each of the poems and go through the process we went through with each key word or detail. These key words and phrases should be underlined on the poem. There should be lots of other notations that suggest you have spent a bit of time with each poem. Include notes about the following questions:

What does the word literally mean, literally? 

What random associations flow into your mind? (It is all valid at first....then filter through context!)

What connotations? Positive or negative?
What inferences can be drawn?