Poem Analysis

Annabelle, Ava, Faith, Greg

Title Analysis
The title of the poem is Barter. Barter means to trade or exchange without
using money. It could mean that the author is trading experiences and
feelings. The author believes that we should not trade experiences or feelings.
About the poem
The poem “Barter” by Sara Teasdale is rather lighthearted. It is describing the
different sounds and smells we experience in nature when we actually do go
outside. It’s describing the author’s first time experiences when it comes to
nature and seeing things for the first time.
Images
“Blue waves whitened on a cliff”

“Music like a curve of gold”

“Soaring fire that sways and sings”

The reason why these examples were chosen was from how you are
able to paint a clear picture of what the author is trying to describe.
Important phrases
“Life has loveliness to sell,”
“Spend all you have for loveliness,”
“Give all you have been, or could be.”

These phrases display the main idea and themes of the poem. It
shows what the author’s purpose is in writing the poem and shows
insight into what the title of the poem means.
Tone/mood
The tone and mood of the poem was one of the most crucial things to take
away from this. “Barter” by Sara Teasdale conveys positivity and a bright
outlook on life. In almost every stanza she describes some sort of imagery in
very explicit detail. Whether this is nature or the faces of children. In the
second stanza, it is revolving around emotions like love. Clearly the author is
feeling very joyful and rather happy.
Symbolism
“Holding wonder like a cup.”
The reason why this one was chosen was for that it’s representing being able
to hold “wonder” like a cup. Easily able to grasp and keep close to yourself.
Keeping a tight grip on it so you don’t drop or lose the “wonder”.
Theme
The theme is to enjoy life and appreciate what you have. This is shown when
the speakers describes the good things in life and why everyone should be
grateful for them. Humans should value experiences and feelings instead of
material items. The theme tells us to be grateful for the people in our lives and
to appreciate what they do for you.
Connections and Opinions
Fahrenheit 451 Connection: In Fahrenheit 451, books are not appreciated. The poem is about being
grateful for what you have and appreciating what is around you. However, in Fahrenheit 451, society
does not appreciate books, and therefore tries to censor them.

Song Connection: Amen by Hunter Hayes: The song is about appreciating what you have and those
around you. The artist(Hunter Hayes) is singing about someone important in his life and how he is
grateful them and everything they do. This connects to the poem because the main theme of both is
to appreciate what you have and the joys you have in your life.

Group Opinion: Our overall opinion on this poem was that it was kind of trashy. It had a little too
much imagery and was a tad over dramatic. I wasn’t able to feel any emotion from her talking about
the different things she sees. My other group members weren’t able to either. This poem was bad.