February 29, 2024

THURSDAY
Materials needed:
Notebook
Copy of the poem
Blue pen
Dictionary
Instructions:
a. Examine the photos on the next
slide.
b. Then, complete the phrase.
I see... example: I see children playing.
I think... example: I think people
I wonder... example: I wonder
OBJECTIVES:

explore the form , structure of the poem

and it’s and its meaning

explore symbolism and theme

White sky, over the hemlocks bowed with snow,
Saw you not at the beginning of evening the antlered buck and his doe,
Standing in the apple orchard? I saw them. I saw them suddenly go,
Tails up, with long leaps lovely and slow,
Over the stone wall into the wood with hemlocks bowed with snow. ,

The opening line establishes the setting: a peaceful snowy landscape with snow-laden trees, creating a
sense of quietude and serenity. The second line is a rhetorical question directly addresses the reader,
drawing them into the scene and inviting them to share the observation. It also foreshadows the
presence of the deer, adding a sense of anticipation. The next line paints a picture of the deer enjoying a
place of abundance and security, further emphasizing the unexpected tragedy to come. However, there
is a sudden dramatic shift of mood in the next line. The speaker confirms they witnessed the deer,
highlighting the immediacy of their presence. The repetition of "saw" emphasizes the act of observation
and foreshadows the deer's departure. "Tails up, with long leaps lovely and slow": This description
creates a contrasting image of grace and beauty. Despite the suddenness, the deer's movements are
described as elegant and peaceful, adding a layer of poignancy to their fate. The final line concludes the
scene with the deer disappearing into the dark and potentially dangerous forest. The image of the stone
wall suggests a barrier or transition, while the snow-laden hemlocks evoke a sense of mystery and the
unknown.
Now lies he here, his wild blood scalding the snow

The metaphorical imagery describes the warm blood of the buck staining the cold snow. The verb "scalding"
connotes fire and intensity, bringing the chilly stillness of death and the live power of the buck into striking
contrast. The rapid change from life to death is symbolized by the contrast between the warm blood and
the cold snow. The "scalding" highlights how abrupt and violent the buck's death was. The picture of the
blood covering the snow emphasizes the brutal reality of nature, where death is inevitable, and shows how
vulnerable the deer are. The tone of the poem abruptly changes in the second verse from one of serene
observation to one of sobering reminders of mortality. It introduces the brutal truth of death and breaks the
first calm impression. Strong feelings in the reader are evoked by the vivid picture and metaphorical
language, including melancholy, shock, and reflection on how transitory life is. The poem's main themes—
life and death, their sudden transformations, and the vulnerability of all living things in the face of
mortality—are furthered by this line. The second stanza of "The Buck in the Snow" plays a crucial role in the
poem's impact by abruptly revealing the death of the buck, which quickly reveals the buck's death,
powerfully contrasts life with death, and adds to the poem's examination of mortality and its effects.
How strange a thing is death, bringing to his knees, bringing to his antlers,
The buck in the snow.
How strange a thing, – a mile away by now, it may be,
Under the heavy hemlocks that as the moments pass
Shift their loads a little, letting fall a feather of snow –
Life, looking out attentive from the eyes of the doe.

This stanza talks about the complex exploration of life, death, and their intertwined nature. The first
two lines set the tone for the stanza, expressing a sense of wonder and contemplation on the nature
of death. While not explicitly stated, the buck being "brought to his knees" and "antlers" suggests a
sense of agency for death, personifying it as a force that overpowers the once-mighty deer. The
speaker repeats the phrase "How strange a thing," further emphasizing their reflection on the mystery
and wonder of death. While the buck's life has ended, nature continues its cycle, seemingly indifferent
to the tragedy. The final line directly contrasts with the earlier focus on death. The speaker describes
"life" personified, looking out attentively from the doe's eyes. This stanza in "The Buck in the Snow"
uses powerful imagery, repetition, and contrasting themes to create a multifaceted exploration of life
and death. It leaves the reader contemplating the strangeness of death, the fleeting nature of life, and
the ongoing cycle of nature, where loss and renewal coexist.
ACTIVITY 1: Collaborative Work
Directions: Discuss the following questions.
1. What does the "buck" symbolize? How does it represent
life, freedom, or masculinity?
2.What does the "doe" symbolize? How does it represent
companionship, love, or vulnerability?
3.What does the "snow" symbolize? How does it represent
death, purity, or silence?
4.What is the significance of the "apple orchard" and the
"wood of hemlocks"? How do they contrast with each other
and symbolize different aspects of life and death?
Symbolism

1. The Buck:
•Life, Strength, and Masculinity: The buck represents life
force, symbolized by its majestic presence and strong antlers.
•Mortality and Vulnerability: The buck's sudden
death highlights the fragility and vulnerability of all living
beings, even the strong and seemingly powerful.
2. The Doe:
•Life and Companionship: The doe symbolizes life's
continuation even in the face of loss.
•Love and Witness: Her attentive eyes represent
the witnessing of the buck's demise, potentially signifying
grief and the continued existence of love despite loss.
3. The Snow:
•Purity and Peace: Initially, the snow
represents peacefulness and serenity, setting the scene for
the tragedy to unfold.
•Death and Coldness: After the buck's death, the snow
becomes associated with coldness and the finality of death,
contrasting with the warmth of life.
4. The Hemlocks:
•Nature's Indifference: The snow-laden hemlocks
symbolize nature's ongoing cycle, seemingly indifferent to
the death of the buck.
•Weight and Burden: The "heavy hemlocks" may also
symbolize the weight of mortality and the burden of
experiencing loss.
5. The Feather of Snow:
•Transience and Delicacy: The falling feather
represents the fleeting nature of life and
the delicate balance between life and death.
6. Blood: The buck's "wild blood scalding the
snow" symbolizes the intensity and suddenness of
death, contrasting with the cold snow and highlighting
the vitality lost.
7.Distance (a mile away): This suggests the buck's
potential journey into the afterlife, emphasizing
the separation and finality of death.
Activity 2: Think Pair Share
Directions: Discuss with your
partner the theme of the poem.
Give evidence and explain it.
1. Life and Death: This core theme is intertwined throughout
the poem. Initially, the buck represents life, strength, and
freedom. His sudden death disrupts the peaceful scene, forcing
the reader to confront the stark reality of mortality and its swift
hand.
2. The Fragility of Life and the Inevitability of Death: The
poem emphasizes how even the seemingly powerful and vital
buck can be struck down unexpectedly. This highlights the
fleeting nature of life and the universality of death, affecting all
living beings.
3. The Indifference of Nature: Nature remains indifferent to
the buck's demise, continuing its cycle. The snow continues to
fall, the hemlocks shift their burdens, and life continues through
the doe. This juxtaposition contrasts the finality of death with
the ongoing flow of nature.
4. Beauty and Loss: The poem initially presents a scene of
tranquil beauty with the snow-covered landscape. This beauty
is juxtaposed with the tragedy of the buck's death, highlighting
the way loss can disrupt moments of serene beauty and
reminding us of life's impermanence.
5. The Mystery of Mortality: The poem raises questions
about the nature of death and its impact. The speaker's
reflection on how "strange a thing is death" conveys a sense of
wonder and contemplation in the face of the unknown.
6. The Power of Observation and Witnessing: The poem is
written from the perspective of someone who observes the
scene. This emphasizes the act of witnessing the buck's death
and potentially experiencing emotions like sadness and
reflection.
Assessment:
Choose at least one question to answer in your notebook.

1.How will you define death and life? Give

example.
2.If you were given a chance to know when
you would die, would you want to know it?
Why or why not?