READING A POEM

 

            The first step in reading a poem is to feel comfortable with its words. Often this will mean reading a poem several times to be sure you understand its meaning. Read the poem below until its meaning becomes clear; check your understanding by answering the questions directly on this sheet.

           

If there were dreams to sell,

What would you buy?

Some cost a passing bell;

Some a light sigh…

If there were dreams to sell,

Merry and sad to tell,

And the crier rang the bell.

What would you buy?

(from “Dream Pedlary” by Thomas Beddoes)

 

1. What sound will signal the arrival of the salesman with his dreams to buy?_________

_______________________________________________________________________

 

2. What two types of dreams will be for sale? ___________________________________

 

            Once you have understood the language of the poem, you should try to respond to it. Sometimes the words will ask you to imagine a scene or event; sometimes they will seem to ask for an emotional response from you.

 

3. This poem asks you to respond by imagining the types of dreams you would want to buy if a dream salesman came by. What dream would you want to buy? Why?

_______________________________________________________________________

 

_______________________________________________________________________

 

            An important final step in reading a poem is to think about its message or idea. Does the view of life the poet expresses seem similar to yours? Do you think life is the way the poet says it is?

 

4. Do you personally believe that life does have dreams for sale? Is it possible for most people to get the things they hope for? Briefly explain how you feel about the idea of buying dreams. ________________________________________________________

 

_____________________________________________________________________