Multiple Themes in Poetry (Explicit vs Implicit)

Identify each theme as explicit (stated directly) or implicit (suggested).

The theme topic is in parenthesis, followed by the poetic line.

(War) Oh stop, please stop. So bad, so bad. The thunder of bombs is

driving us mad.

• Explicit

• Implicit

Identify each theme as explicit (stated directly) or implicit (suggested).

The theme topic is in parenthesis, followed by the poetic line.

(Nature) See dancing leaves on the maple trees, hear the laugh from the

stream where the waters gleam, and smell the sweet scents in a bower of flowers.

• Explicit

• Implicit

Identify each theme as explicit (stated directly) or implicit (suggested).

The theme topic is in parenthesis, followed by the poetic line.

(Peace) We must hope, we must dream, we must work for peace in our

world and do what we can to avoid more wars.

• Explicit

• Implicit

Identify each theme as explicit (stated directly) or implicit (suggested).

The theme topic is in parenthesis, followed by the poetic line.

(Joy) Life is meant for joy; seek it wherever you are.

• Explicit

• Implicit

Identify each theme as explicit (stated directly) or implicit (suggested).

The theme topic is in parenthesis, followed by the poetic line.

(Love) Alas, I must sail across the sea and leave you for a while; but know,

my dear, I shall return, though it be ten thousand miles.

• Explicit

• Implicit

Identify each theme as explicit (stated directly) or implicit (suggested).

The theme topic is in parenthesis, followed by the poetic line.

(Courage) Into the woods I go, where none before has cut a path. I will cut

my own.

• Explicit

• Implicit

Solitude

I’ve never sailed a boat;

I’ve never flown a plane;

And yet I feel the thrills of both

Swirling in my brain.

To ride the ocean’s waves,

And smell the salty air,

And watch a pod of dolphins play,

With no one else there.

To soar through billowing clouds,

And hear the engine’s drone,

And gaze down on the towns below,

So happy I’m alone.

—Anonymous

What does stanza 1 tell you literally about the speaker?

• The speaker enjoys being with others while sailing.
• The speaker has never sailed a boat or flown a plane.
• The speaker has traveled extensively by air and sea.
• The speaker has sailed a boat and flown a plane.

Solitude

I’ve never sailed a boat;

I’ve never flown a plane;

And yet I feel the thrills of both

Swirling in my brain.

To ride the ocean’s waves,

And smell the salty air,

And watch a pod of dolphins play,

With no one else there.

To soar through billowing clouds,

And hear the engine’s drone,

And gaze down on the towns below,

So happy I’m alone.

—Anonymous

How do stanzas 2 and 3 relate to the first two lines of stanza 1?

• Stanzas 2 and 3 emphasize the dangers of sailing and flying alone.
• The stanzas focus on the speaker's desire for companionship during adventures.
• Stanzas 2 and 3 describe the speaker's past experiences with sailing and flying.
• Stanzas 2 and 3 illustrate the speaker's imaginative experience of sailing and flying, despite never having done either.

Solitude

I’ve never sailed a boat;

I’ve never flown a plane;

And yet I feel the thrills of both

Swirling in my brain.

To ride the ocean’s waves,

And smell the salty air,

And watch a pod of dolphins play,

With no one else there.

To soar through billowing clouds,

And hear the engine’s drone,

And gaze down on the towns below,

So happy I’m alone.

—Anonymous

What could one implicit theme of the poem be?

• The spirit of adventure

• The importance of companionship in travel.
• The dangers of sailing and flying.
• loneliness

Solitude

I’ve never sailed a boat;

I’ve never flown a plane;

And yet I feel the thrills of both

Swirling in my brain.

To ride the ocean’s waves,

And smell the salty air,

And watch a pod of dolphins play,

With no one else there.

To soar through billowing clouds,

And hear the engine’s drone,

And gaze down on the towns below,

So happy I’m alone.

—Anonymous

Now, think about the title and the last lines of stanzas 2 and 3. What other theme might

they suggest?

• The thrill of adventure in a crowded space.
• The joy of companionship and shared experiences.
• The beauty of solitude and self-discovery.
• The importance of teamwork and collaboration.