Warm up (March 20)

Why do you think the title is significant?

• Ungirt Runners

  Sorley refers to the runners as "ungirt,' which means they run without restraints (freedom); they do not need to conform to a standard or rule like being on a team or participating in an official race.

  Song

  The poet is celebrating, praising, or giving a tribute to the runners in the poem. It could also show how they can also express their emotions without restraints

• Ungirt Runners

  The title is symbolic. Since ungirt means without restraints, ungirt runners symbolizes freedom and autonomy.

  Song

  Using the term song, signifies a celebration or praise. The poet is not celebrating runners; he is celebrating freedom and autonomy.

• Other

Who is the speaker of the poem?

• The speaker is one of the runners, telling readers that they run for the joy of running, "we do not run for prize" (Sorley, line 4). The repetition of "we" suggests that they are unified. If they "run because we must," then possibly it is something that gives them a sense of purpose.

• The speaker or persona of the poem is a collective voice (a group of runners). The are elated, carefree. When they run, they can leave all worries behind: "we swing ungirded hips" (Sorley, line 1). The "we" and "swing" suggests that they are in unison or as one. Their hips are "ungirded" or they can move freely.

• Other

Which option best describes the tone of the poem?

• Carefree tone

  "ungirded hips"

  "lightened eyes"

  "great wide air"

  "broad bright land"

• Elated, joyful tone

  "ungirded hips"

  "run because we like it"

  "run without a cause"

  "We do not run for prize"

• Other

What is the "mood" of the poem (in your opinion)? What emotions does the poem evoke within you or other readers?

• Feeling Appreciation

  The poem leaves readers feeling appreciated as the runners, "do not run for prize" (Sorley, line 4).

• Feeling Joyful

  Poet uses a lot of descriptive words and imagery that evokes feelings of exhilaration: "great wide air," broad bright land,"

• Other

What figurative language devices are used in the poem?

• Personification

  "Tearing tempest"

  "Waves howl"

  The weather is wild, unpredictable paralleling the runner's purpose for running (freedom and joy).

  Imagery

  "great wide air"

  "big bare sky"

  "broad bright land"

  Each stanza ends with these images, signifying how running gives one limitless freedom and autonomy.

• Personification

  "Tearing tempest"

  "Waves howl"

  The wild, unpredictable parallels the runner's purpose for running (freedom and joy). On an even deeper level, it shows that the most joyous moment in life are unpredictable and natural like the storm and waves.

  Imagery

  "great wide air"

  "big bare sky"

  "broad bright land"

  Each stanza ends with these images, bringing attention to the importance of freedom and autonomy.

• Personification

  "Tearing tempest"

  "Waves howl"

  Other

  Imagery

  "great wide air"

  "big bare sky"

  "broad bright land"

  Other

What words, lines, or phrases catch your attention? Why?

• Second Stanza

  It shows how nature has a purpose as "the tempest strips the trees," yet it lacks control and does not stop to question its actions: "do the tree-top ask it why?. This parallels the runners who "run because we must," but in an unrestrained manner.

• Other

Which option is NOT an effective thesis (if you are writing about the theme of a poem)?

• The theme is doing something without  restraints or rewards can bring individuals joy and fulfilment.

• The theme is a celebration of running as something that brings individuals elation and freedom

• The theme is running.