Summary
Summary:
A. Groups are to discuss the reasons for a boy being in a tree, what he is observing, and his thoughts.
B. The poem "Contemplation" describes a boy who has been climbing a yellow tree for days. He enjoys a beautiful view of green fields, shining rivers, and playful sheep, while noting the distant roofs of a town. He reflects on the vastness of the world and the many wonders it holds.
C. Questions to consider include the tree's location, four things the poet can see from the tree, and personal experiences with climbing trees.
A. Look at the picture and discuss in groups the possible answers to these questions.
- Why is the boy up in the tree?
- What is he looking at?
- Guess what he is thinking about.
B. Read the poem and answer the following questions.
Contemplation
For days and days I've climbed a tree
A dappled yellow tree
And gazed abroad at many things
I've always wished to see.
I see the green and gentle fields
All bounded in with hedge
And shining rivers swimming through
The rushes on the edge,
And little sheep who play all day
I watch them as they run,
While far away the roofs of town
Are shining in the sun.
I think it's very nice to sit
So high and look so far----
How very large the world can be!
How many things there are!
John Carpenter
Note
dappled yellow tree - spotted yellow tree (the leaves may be yellow) gazed abroad - looked around
bounded - surrounded
hedge - a thick row of bushes swimming through - (the river like a person is swimming through) flowing through rushes - tall plants that grow on the river's edge
C. Ask and answer these questions.
- Where do you think the tree was?
- What were the four things the poet could see from the tree?
- Have you ever climbed a tree? If yes, what did you do it for? If not, why?
