19. Review SIFTT method and SIFTT the poem below. Be ready to turn this in.
~This activity is shared with you in your Google Drive~
Review of SIFTT Strategy
While we have used this strategy before, a refresher course never hurts. SIFTT is an acronym, a word where each letter represents another word. In this case SIFTT stands for:
(S) - Symbol - an object, person, or action that represents more than its literal meaning
(I) - Imagery - descriptions that give the reader a visual picture
(F) - Figurative Language - use of poetic devices such as a simile, metaphor, personification, etc.
(T) - Tone - the author's attitude towards his/her writing or subject
(T) - Theme - the overall lesson or message of a piece of writing, written in a complete sentence, timeless
SIFTT strategy starts with small questions of imagery and symbolism until we are left with the large questions of theme; much the same way a child will sift through sand until only large rocks and shells remain. Each step we sift through helps us to find the most important parts or gems.
(S) - Symbol - an object, person, or action that represents more than its literal meaning
(I) - Imagery - descriptions that give the reader a visual picture
(F) - Figurative Language - use of poetic devices such as a simile, metaphor, personification, etc.
(T) - Tone - the author's attitude towards his/her writing or subject
(T) - Theme - the overall lesson or message of a piece of writing, written in a complete sentence, timeless
SIFTT strategy starts with small questions of imagery and symbolism until we are left with the large questions of theme; much the same way a child will sift through sand until only large rocks and shells remain. Each step we sift through helps us to find the most important parts or gems.
Carl Sandburg's The People, Yes
Carl Sandburg (1878-1967) was an American writer and editor. he was best known for his poems. The People, Yes is the title of one of his book-long poems. Full of American cultural references, The People, Yes celebrates the American spirit and their perseverance or its people. Below is an excerpt from that poem. Use the SIFTT strategy to gain a better understanding of the piece.
Money is power: so said one.
Money is a cushion: so said another
Money is the root of evil: so said still another
Money means freedom: so runs an old saying.
And money is all of these- and more.
Money pays for whatever you – want if
you have the money.
Money buys food, clothes, houses, land,
Guns, jewels, men, women, time to be lazy and
listen to music.
Money buys everything except love,
personality, freedom, immortality,
silence, peace
Money is a cushion: so said another
Money is the root of evil: so said still another
Money means freedom: so runs an old saying.
And money is all of these- and more.
Money pays for whatever you – want if
you have the money.
Money buys food, clothes, houses, land,
Guns, jewels, men, women, time to be lazy and
listen to music.
Money buys everything except love,
personality, freedom, immortality,
silence, peace
Activity Questions:
1) Money can be seen as one of the symbols of the poem. What does money symbolize to the author? What does money symbolize to you?
2) Sandburg uses metaphors to help describe money. What are some of these metaphors that are mentioned? Can you think of another metaphor that Sandburg could use in his first section?
3) Think back to your statement webs and compare it to the poem. Are they similar? Does Sandburg agree with you on the question of which is more important: the things money can buy or the things money can't buy? Justify your answer.
2) Sandburg uses metaphors to help describe money. What are some of these metaphors that are mentioned? Can you think of another metaphor that Sandburg could use in his first section?
3) Think back to your statement webs and compare it to the poem. Are they similar? Does Sandburg agree with you on the question of which is more important: the things money can buy or the things money can't buy? Justify your answer.