Figurative Language & Symbols in Poetry

1. Review some major forms of figurative language by completing 20 examples on the worksheet: http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/figurative-language-worksheets/Identifying_Figurative_Language_3.pdf
2. Colors can give your poems some symbolic significance through the different connotations that we associate with colors.  Examine the following chart that outlines some color symbolism.  Read some poems that make use of color symbolism.  Respond to two of the poems.  Identify the title and author and describe briefly what effect the poet’s use of color had on the poem.
3. Write at least ten lines of poetry (this can be one or more poems, but there must be at least ten lines of poetry total) that use at least two colors to convey symbolic meaning and tone.  Please note, you can also play with different words for the same color (for example: red, scarlet, vermilion, crimson, rusty, cherry, burgundy and ruby may all carry different connotations).  Your ten lines of poetry should also incorporate at least two examples of figurative language (similes, metaphors, personification, and/or hyperboles.)  

Color Symbolism Chart
	Excitement, energy, passion, love, desire, speed, strength, power, heat, aggression, danger, fire, blood, war, violence, all things intense and passionate.
	Pink symbolizes love and romance, caring, tenderness, acceptance and calm.
	Beige and ivory symbolize unification. Ivory symbolizes quiet and pleasantness. Beige symbolizes calm and simplicity.
	Joy, happiness, betrayal, optimism, idealism, imagination, hope, sunshine, summer, gold, philosophy, dishonesty, cowardice, jealousy, covetousness, deceit, illness, hazard and friendship.
	Peace, tranquility, cold, calm, stability, harmony, unity, trust, truth, confidence, conservatism, security, cleanliness, order, loyalty, sky, water, technology, depression, appetite suppressant.
	Turquoise symbolizes calm. Teal symbolizes sophistication. Aquamarine symbolizes water. Lighter turquoise has a feminine appeal.
	Royalty, nobility, spirituality, ceremony, mysterious, transformation, wisdom, enlightenment, cruelty, arrogance, mourning.
	Lavender symbolizes femininity, grace and elegance.
	Energy, balance, enthusiasm, warmth, vibrant, expansive, flamboyant, demanding of attention.
	Nature, environment, healthy, good luck, renewal, youth, spring, generosity, fertility, jealousy, inexperience, envy, misfortune, vigor.
	Earth, stability, hearth, home, outdoors, reliability, comfort, endurance, simplicity, and comfort.
	Security, reliability, intelligence, staid, modesty, dignity, maturity, solid, conservative, practical, old age, sadness, boring. Silver symbolizes calm.
	Reverence, purity, birth, simplicity, cleanliness, peace, humility, precision, innocence, youth, winter, snow, good, sterility, marriage (Western cultures), death (Eastern cultures), cold, clinical.
	Power, sexuality, sophistication, formality, elegance, wealth, mystery, fear, evil, unhappiness, depth, style, evil, sadness, remorse, anger, anonymity, underground, good technical color, mourning, death (Western cultures).