Poem Analysis Worksheet

Poem Analysis Practice

Read the poem carefully and answer the questions that follow. Pay close attention to literary devices, theme, and structure.

The Sun does arise, And make happy the skies. The merry bells ring To welcome the Spring. The sky-lark and thrush, The birds of the bush, Sing louder around, To the bells’ cheerful sound. While our sports shall be seen On the Echoing Green.

Old John, with white hair, Does laugh away care, Sitting under the oak, Among the old folk. They laugh at our play, And soon they all say: “Such, were the joys, When we all, girls and boys, In our youth-time were seen On the Echoing Green.”

Till the little ones, weary, No more can be merry; The sun does descend, And our sports have an end. Round the laps of their mothers, Many sisters and brothers, Like birds in their nest, Are ready for rest, And sport no more seen On the darkening Green.

1. What season is being celebrated in the first stanza of the poem?

2. What literary device is used in the line, 'Like birds in their nest, Are ready for rest'?

3. The phrase 'Echoing Green' suggests that the sounds of play are  .

4. The poem describes a contrast between the   of the young children and the memories of the  .

5. What is the main theme or message of 'The Echoing Green'?

6. The poem suggests that only young children enjoy the green.

7. Identify one example of alliteration and one example of personification from the poem. Explain how each device contributes to the poem's meaning or mood.