Part A. "Disillusionment of Ten O'Clock"
In this poem Stevens contrasts an interesting imaginative way of life with a dull, unimaginative way of life.
How does the author develop this contrast through his description of nightgowns?
How does his description of dreams further develop the contrast?
Considering the title and calling the house "haunted," which way of life does Stevens favor?
What comment does he seem to be making about modern life?
Part B. "The Locust Tree in Flower"
How does the title help you understand the poem?
Which lines describe the locust tree before it blossoms?
Which lines describe the tree after it blossoms?
How does the line arrangement add emphasis to the tree's important characteristics?
What is the significance of the final line?
In this poem Stevens contrasts an interesting imaginative way of life with a dull, unimaginative way of life.
How does the author develop this contrast through his description of nightgowns?
How does his description of dreams further develop the contrast?
Considering the title and calling the house "haunted," which way of life does Stevens favor?
What comment does he seem to be making about modern life?
Part B. "The Locust Tree in Flower"
How does the title help you understand the poem?
Which lines describe the locust tree before it blossoms?
Which lines describe the tree after it blossoms?
How does the line arrangement add emphasis to the tree's important characteristics?
What is the significance of the final line?