Tone

Diction, Imagery, Detail, and Syntax (DIDS) in Poetry—Worksheet

1. Write the title of the text you have analyzed here:  

“When I Was Fair and Young”

2. List at least three examples of diction in the text that add to the overall tone. Explain how each word contributes to the emotional power of the piece.

Repent- it shows how she shows remorse and/or regret on the decisions she’s made in her past

Coy- It implies being shy/quiet but with the intention of being alluring. However, in her old age she is lonely. She wishes she could be coy again but, she can’t.

Scorn- she thought of the boys as worthless/forgettable, but now she regrets that evaluation because she desires company as an older person

3. List at least three examples of imagery in the text that add to the overall tone. Explain how each description contributes to the emotional power of the piece.

Weeping eyes- I could see how she broke many hearts and the men crying as she did so.

Sighing hearts- I could see many men walking up to her and being disappointed in the outcome.

When I was fair and young, then favor graced me- Since she is no longer young and beautiful, this foreshadows that she regrets not acknowledging the men before.

4. List the examples of important details the author chose to include. Explain how these details contribute to the emotional power of the piece.

She scorned them and grew proud; it shows she grew arrogant in her youth. The author chose to include that she felt regret towards the end of the poem, when she became old.

5. List the examples of important details the author chose to omit. Explain how these missing details contribute to the emotional power of the piece.

It doesn't say how much time has passed, so the reader must guess that a significant time has passed, which means her regret is amplified by the passing of time.

6. Analyze the author’s use of syntax in this text. Are the sentences long or short?...