Learning Support Material: Poetry

Session 4: Practice 3


The Sick Rose                                            (1794)



O rose, thou art sick.

The invisible worm

That flies in the night,

In the howling storm:


Has found out thy bed

Of crimson joy:

And his dark secret love

Does thy life destroy.

                                                                            William Blake  (1757-1827)

Questions

1. Discuss the setting of this poem.

2. Describe the literal meaning of the poem.

3. Discuss the figurative meaning of the poem.

4. What are the literary devices employed in this poem, and what are their effects?

5. Discuss the moral/lesson found in this poem.