Introduction

Inspiration and imagery can be drawn from nature and then enhanced by the writer’s imagination. Writers have also drawn inspiration from their dreams. Some works based on natural images and dreams are considered masterpieces and have become classics.

For this exercise, you will read excerpts of different works in which the writer has mentioned or alluded to a dream, and will read poems that draw images from nature. Then you will choose an excerpt or a poem, analyze its sensory details, and describe how the writer expresses these details.

Destination Titles

Dreams in Literature
(http://www.dreamtree.com/Culture/Literature.htm)
Lyrical Ballads
(http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~rbear/ballads.html)

Directions

Start with “Dreams in Literature” and read through some of the excerpts. After you have finished, go to Lyrical Ballads and choose three different poems to read.

1.	Once you have finished reading these excerpts and poems, choose your favorite and analyze the sensory details used in the poem or excerpt. Describe how the writer uses language to express these details in ways that help the reader to feel what is happening.