1. Allusions

2.  Definition: reference to something in literature or history, sports, politics, religion, current events, etc.  Why use it? The things that are alluded to are popular, and people know it. It helps readers/viewers/listeners have a deeper understanding of the text.

3. Poetic Device - REFRAIN  A phrase or verse recurring at intervals in a poem or song, usually at the end of a stanza,  It may help to establish the meter of a poem, indicate its tone, or reestablish its atmosphere.  It may also be a phrase or a word or phrase that takes on added significance each time it appears.

4. We ’ re going to look at a song and find what it alludes to. BRAINSTORM: What are some of the most famous love stories from literature, pop culture, movies, etc.

5.  Your Assignment:  In groups, carefully read the song (some of you will know it, but I want you to analyze the lyrics!)  Answer the questions – each group member must answer the questions on their own paper.  Done? Hang on to your paper (you ’ re going to need it).  We will discuss as a class.

6. Discussion Questions 1. Why can this be considered a narrative poem? 2. What is this song about? 3. What is the conflict in the song? 4. Write the refrain of this song. 5. Determine what the most important emotion of the song is. Write why you think it’s that emotion. 6. Make a list of emotions the characters feel in the song. 7. What famous love story/play does this poem mention (what does it allude to)? 8. What is the purpose of using the allusion?

7.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xg3vE8Ie_E&ob=av 2n http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xg3vE8Ie_E&ob=av 2n

8.  Your Ticket Out the Door:  You can do this on your discussion paper. Write 3-5 sentences for each question: 1.How is the reader ’ s/listener ’ s understanding of the song affected by using the Romeo and Juliet allusion? 2.What conclusions can we make about allusions? (Why are they used, where do we see them, etc.)  Turn in on the front table when you ’ re done.