Literary Devices Literary Devices    

Lesson 27: Allusion: Christmas Day

by Christina Rossetti

Performer: Librivox - Alisson Veldhuis

Directions

Study the poem for one week.

Over the week:

• Read or listen to the poem.
• Review the synopsis.
• Read about the poet.
• Complete the enrichment activities.

Synopsis

Christina Rossetti's 'Christmas Day' alludes to the Biblical birth, life, crucifixion, and death of Jesus Christ. Rossetti employs multiple metaphors, comparing Jesus Christ to a lamb, a rose, and a lily. Rossetti also uses rhyming for effect.

Concepts

Poets often use literary devices, defined as 'rules of thumb, convention, or structure that are employed in literature and storytelling.'

The nine literary devices we'll study include:

1. Rhyming
2. Alliteration
3. Similes
4. Metaphors
5. Personification
6. Foreshadowing
7. Allusion
8. Hyperbole
9. Onomatopoeia

Allusion is a literary device whereby an author makes a reference to something supposed to be known, but not explicitly mentioned.

Enrichment

Activity 1: Recite Poem Information

Recite the title of the poem and the name of the poet.

Activity 2: Study the Poem Picture

Study the poem picture and describe how it relates to the poem. How does the image differ from the poem?

Activity 3: Recite the Poem

Practice reciting the poem aloud.

Activity 4: Identify Allusions in the Examples

Read aloud the examples below and identify the allusions.

• What a Scrooge! Even though she's wealthy, she refused to donate to the charity fund. (A Christmas Carol)
• Hey, where did she go? People come and go so quickly here. (Wizard of Oz)
• Forgive your brother. Turn the other cheek. (The Bible)
• Chocolate donuts were his Achilles' Heel. (Greek/Roman Mythology)

Activity 5: Identify the Rhyme Scheme

Review the poem and identify the pattern of its rhyming scheme. (e.g. ABBACDCD, etc.)

Activity 6: Identify Alliteration

Review the poem and point out any instances of alliteration.

Activity 7: Identify Metaphors

• Review the poem and identify the metaphors.
• Name the pairs of elements that the metaphors compare.

Activity 8: Identify the Allusions

Review the poem excerpts and identify any allusions.

• And Flower of Babies was their King, - Jesus Christ our Lord:
• Crowned with thorns on leafless tree.
• White and ruddy, soon to be Sacrificed for you and me.

Activity 9: Complete Book Activities   

• Click the crayon above, and complete pages 82-84 of 'Elementary Poetry 5: Literary Devices.'

References

'Allusion.' Wikipedia. Wikipedia.org. n.p.