For several classes, starting 4/18, we'll be reading a selection of poems by James Dickey, which I'll hand out as a packet today. Here are the "pre-reading" questions to help generate some insight into Dickey's poetry:

1) Try to identify the tone of each poem. Which poems are intense, urgent? Which ones are more contemplative?
2) Which ideas and images get repeated throughout the selection of poems?
3) For each poem, underline some phrases that strike you as unique and arrest your attention. How does the poet's choice of words convey an emotional or intellectual effect?
4) Characterize the relationship between human beings, animals, and nature in these poems.

For our next blog, due Sunday evening at the usual time, write a brief response to one Dickey poem of your choosing.