2. “Oranges” By: Gary Soto
Look at the title. Talk to your group about what you think it means.

3. What are some things we think of when we hear the word “oranges
What are some things we think of when we hear the word “oranges? “ How do we usually describe them?

4. How many lines are in the poem?
How many stanzas does the poem contain?

5. Why is this poem considered free verse?

6. Who is the speaker in this poem?

7. What is the setting of this poem?
In what time period do you think this occurred? Offer text evidence to support your answer.

8. What type of figurative language is being used in lines 25-26?
What two things are being compared, and what is the author’s intended meaning?

9. What type of figurative language is being used in lines 45-46?
What two things are being compared, and what is the author’s intended meaning?

10. (Alliteration is the repetition of beginning sounds)
What is an example of alliteration used in the poem? Highlight it in your text.
(Alliteration is the repetition of beginning sounds)

11. Read lines 32-34 from the poem.
And when she lifted the chocolate that cost a dime, I didn’t say anything
What does the author suggest in these lines of the poem?

12. Read lines 35-42 from the poem.
I took the nickel from my pocket, then an orange, and set them quiety on the counter. When I looked up, the lady’s eyes met mine, and held them, knowing very well what it was all about.
What is the speaker trying to convey in these lines of the poem?

13. What does the break in the poem help the poet convey?

14. What does the point of view help the reader understand?

15. One example of contrast used in this poem is the title of “Oranges,” which makes us think of summer; however, the landscape is wintery. What is another example of contrast used in this poem?
(Hint: think about how the speaker feels....)

16. Contrast: light and dark
Despite the fact that the setting is on a bleak and gray December day, there is plenty of light in this poem. Highlight all the places where you find the reference to light. What do you think the light represents?

17. This happens to be an event from the poet’s own personal life
This happens to be an event from the poet’s own personal life. How do you know that this experience made an impact on him?

18. What are two themes expressed in this poem?

19. Find and highlight two examples of imagery from the poem.
(Hint: imagery is descriptive language that involves the senses. Think sounds, sight, touch, taste, smell)

20. Discussion. These do not have to be written on your paper.
Do you consider “Oranges” a love poem? Why/why not?
Which of the speaker’s actions or descriptions most clearly show how he feels about the girl?
How would this poem be different if told from the girl’s point of view?