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Name: Class: "Egg-rmh" by Kim Pardi is licensed under CC BY 2.0. "Egg" from Poetry Magazine, 1977, © 1977 , Linda Pastan. Reprinted with permission, all rights reserved. Egg By Linda Pastan From Poetry Magazine, 1977 1977 Linda Pastan (born May 27, 1932) is an American poet of Jewish background, most known for writing short poems. In “Egg,” the speaker discusses the physical characteristics of an egg and how they relate to power dynamics. As you read, annotate the poem for Pastan’s use of figurative language and symbolism. In this kingdom the sun never sets; 1 under the pale oval of the sky there seems no way in or out, and though there is a sea here there is no tide. For the egg itself is a moon glowing faintly in the galaxy of the barn, safe but for the spoon's ominous thunder, the first delicate crack of lightning. [1] [5] [10] [15] 1. “The sun never sets” is a phrase that has been used to describe certain global empires that spanned so much land that at any given time, at least one part of its territory was always in daylight. 1
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CommonLit | Egg

Dec 18, 2021

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Page 1: CommonLit | Egg

Name: Class:

"Egg-rmh" by Kim Pardi is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

"Egg" from Poetry Magazine, 1977, © 1977 , Linda Pastan. Reprinted with permission, all rights reserved.

EggBy Linda Pastan

From Poetry Magazine, 1977 1977

Linda Pastan (born May 27, 1932) is an American poet of Jewish background, most known for writing shortpoems. In “Egg,” the speaker discusses the physical characteristics of an egg and how they relate to powerdynamics. As you read, annotate the poem for Pastan’s use of figurative language and symbolism.

In this kingdomthe sun never sets;1

under the pale ovalof the skythere seems no way inor out,and though there is a sea herethere is no tide.

For the egg itselfis a moonglowing faintlyin the galaxy of the barn,safe but for the spoon'sominous thunder,the first delicate crackof lightning.

[1]

[5]

[10]

[15]

1. “The sun never sets” is a phrase that has been used to describe certain global empires that spanned so much landthat at any given time, at least one part of its territory was always in daylight.

1

Page 2: CommonLit | Egg

[RL.2]

[RL.1]

[RL.4]

[RL.1]

[RL.5]

Text-Dependent QuestionsDirections: For the following questions, choose the best answer or respond in complete sentences.

1. PART A: Which of the following best identifies the theme of the text?A. Hierarchy is necessary for order.B. Outside forces are persuasive.C. Security is temporary.D. Ultimate power is achievable.

2. PART B: Which lines from the poem best support the answers to Part A?A. “In this kingdom/ the sun never sets;” (Lines 1-2)B. “under the pale oval/ of the sky” (Lines 3-4)C. “and though there is a sea here/ there is no tide.”(Lines 7-8)D. “safe but for the spoon’s/ ominous thunder,” (Lines 13-14)

3. Part A: What does the word “ominous” mean as it is used in line 14?A. roaringB. threateningC. beneficialD. ordinary

4. PART B: Which of the following phrases from the poem best supports the answer toPart A?

A. “In this kingdom” (Line 1)B. “there is no tide.” (Line 8)C. “galaxy of the barn,” (Line 12)D. “safe but for” (Line 13)

5. Which statement best summarizes the structural shift of the poem?A. The first stanza describes the interior of the egg, and stanza 2 describes the

outside forces penetrating the egg.B. The first stanza describes the egg’s delicacy, and stanza 2 describes the egg’s

firmness.C. The first stanza describes the egg as pale, and stanza 2 describes the egg getting

darker.D. The first stanza describes the egg being unprotected, and the stanza 2 describes

the egg’s safety.

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[RL.4]6. How do lines 15-16—"the first delicate crack of lightning"—add to the developmentof the poem's symbolism? Cite evidence in your response.

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Page 4: CommonLit | Egg

Discussion QuestionsDirections: Brainstorm your answers to the following questions in the space provided. Be prepared toshare your original ideas in a class discussion.

1. What are the characteristics of an empire? Why do so many empires ultimately fall? Whatare some examples of ruling powers that have crumbled, and what caused their demise?What caused the “first delicate crack of lightning” in those imperial powers? Cite evidencefrom this text, your own experience, and other literature, art, or history in your answer.

2. Can an empire achieve permanent control or is power temporary? Explain your rationale.

3. The notion of "empires" can expand to include groups of people that wield power overothers. What are some groups of people throughout the world that have gained power orlost power in recent years? Consider race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc.

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