F08-250-4

="Introduction to Poetry" by Billy Collins lines 9-11 ("I want them to waterski / across the surface of a poem / waving at the author's name on the shore")=

Group 4:
Facilitator: //Type over these words to volunteer as the Facilitator.// Polisher: //Type over these words to volunteer as the Polisher.//

//Type your contributions below the instructions for each "expert move." As the Polisher is polishing, she or he will remove the instructions and leave the subheadings and everyone's comments.//

__Expert move #1: identifying the figurative language__
First and foremost, when you discuss figurative language, you should always begin by **identifying** **the type** of figurative language (symbol, simile, metaphor, image) and then **identifying** **the components** the symbol (object, item, or thing), the metaphor/simile (the comparison), or the image (a description that invokes our sense of seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, or smelling) from the work of literature. **What are the details given in the literature that set up this specific example of figurative language?** Be precise, and give a contextual quote where it appears, explaining how your selection is a symbol, metaphor, simile, or image.

__Expert move #2: exploring denotations__
Next, **list and //explore// the** **denotations** of the figurative language you've selected. Explain the literal details of the comparison (what's being compared to what) if you're writing about a metaphor or simile, or explain the sensuality of the image (what we see/hear/touch/taste/smell). To help you think about denotation, consider alternative words that the poet could’ve used. Again, thoroughly explore the denotative meanings of the comparison. Be explicit here.

__Expert move #3: unpacking the figurative and connotative meanings__
Next, you should **unpack or explore the figurative, connotative, deeper meanings** of this symbol, metaphor, simile, or imagery. **What does it mean well beyond its literal meaning? What is the 7/8 beneath this object, item, thing, or comparison? What do you make of the //specific// language, the specific words in this figurative language? You should dwell on this step longer than any other; savor the specific language in your selection.** Again, it’s useful to think of alternative language, alternative symbols, metaphors, similes, or images the writer could’ve used to help you appreciate the details of your selected language.

__Expert move #4: recontextualizing within the whole poem__
Finally, **connect the symbol/metaphor/simile/imagery with the rest of the work of literature** by establishing that its meanings are relevant to the larger work as a whole, whether in terms of theme or character or some other major element of the work. As Brown and Yarbrough point out, "Writing effectively about" figurative language "requires analyzing their meaning and effect on the work as a whole" (71).

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