After reading “Song” and “The Great Sea,” keep in mind the information from “Notes on Native American Oral Literature” and consider the following questions:
What imagery seems striking or most important in the works? (Remember that imagery can relate to any of the 5 senses.)
How might the imagery in “Song” relate to the tone and main idea of the work?
How might the imagery in “The Great Sea ” relate to the tone and main idea of the work?
In either poem, do you find repetition that serves to emphasize an important idea or to create an emotional response or both? Why? Try to find particular words/phrases/lines to support your answer and define the specific idea/s and/or emotions that might be emphasized in the work.
As a modern reader, how might you be able to relate to “Song” and “The Great Sea”?
Sample Solution
