Before you begin the CAPSTone, read through your poem/text TWICE, and make a list of any unfamiliar or
seemingly significant words. Look up the definitions and make a glossary, listing the denotation AND connotations
of the words (if any).
Title of the Poem/text: Before the sun
Context/Setting: Written by Zimbabwean poet Charles Mungoshi
Addresses subject (yes this Peoples who likes nature and nostalgic poems peoples who are
used to say audience):
into poetry
Purpose/themes:
(identify broad themes
and sub themes)
Broad Themes:
1. Nature
2. Childhood and Nostalgia
3. Human Connection to the Natural World
Subthemes:
1. Tranquility of Early Mornings
2. Simplicity and Beauty of Rural Life
3. Reflection and Personal Growth
4. Harmony Between Humans and Nature
5. Passing of Time and Cherished Memories
Theme ; The theme of "Before the Sun" is the bond between
humans and nature. It shows how spending time in nature
brings peace, inspiration, and helps us understand life. It also
reflects on the beauty of simple rural life and childhood
memories.
Now go back and annotate the poem/text thoroughly for stylistic features. Decide which ones are most
impactful and focus on those first when completing the next section.
Stylistic Feature: Textual Evidence: Effect/Purpose: use verbs like reveals, creates, develops,
portrays, characterizes, illustrates, emphasizes,
intensifies, contrasts with, etc. (Minimum 60 words)
4 most significant features of the poem
1Personification "The sun just winks"
● By giving human-like qualities to
the sun, the poem suggests a
playful, intimate relationship
between the boy and the natural
world, making the sun seem like a
companion.
2Alliteration "bright chips / fly The repetition of the "sh" and "f" sounds
from the sharp axe" creates a rhythmic flow, enhancing the
vividness of the action and making the
scene more dynamic.
3 symbllisom "two cobs of maize" The maize represents the boy's reward
and effort, as well as the symbolic
communion between him and the sun, a
metaphor for nature's cycles.
4Metaphor "a sacrificial prayer" The smoke rising from the wood is
compared to a prayer, elevating the act of
chopping wood to something spiritual,
suggesting reverence and ritual in the
boy’s work.
Other significant features to note
Examples from the text which reveal tone (author’s Analysis of tone, and effect on audience:
attitude towards subject):
1)he has a peaceful tone
2."The grasses are dry and sparkling with dew"
3.The peaceful tone soothes the reader and makes
them feel relaxed. It encourages them to slow down
and appreciate the simple beauty and calmness of
nature.
Thesis statement (what message/theme was the author trying to communicate in this poem, and how effective were
they in achieving their purpose?):
The author uses enjabment symbolism personification and alliteration to create a peaceful tone which affects the
audience to feel relaxed in order to achieve the author’s purpose entertaining, and communicating their theme
of the importance connecting with nature.
