1. If you were a flower or a colour, which flower or colour would you be? Explain your choice.
2. Why do we give and receive presents?
3. Describe the best present you have ever given someone and/or the best present you have ever received.
COMPREHENDING AND RESPONDING 1. Why does the speaker not wish to give the recipient of this poem jewels?
2. Do you think the ‘odors’, ‘colors’ and ‘berries’ that the poet mentions would be nice gifts to give someone? Give reasons for your answer.
3. What do you think a ‘blaze’ of colour ‘flickering’ in a meadow might be? Explain your answer.
4. What do you think the speaker means when she says that the ‘little blaze’ in the meadow suits her more than the ‘odors’, ‘colours’ and ‘berries’? Give reasons for your answer.
5. How do you picture the ‘little Blaze’ from reading the lines: ‘Never a Fellow matched this Topaz –/ And his Emerald Swing’? Explain your answer.
6. What word would you select to describe the tone of this poem? Give reasons for your answer.
7. Do you think the poet is correct that when she states that Bobadilo would be pleased with such a gift? Explain your answer.
8. What theme or themes can you find in this poem? Refer to the poem in support of your answer.
CREATING
1. Imagine someone has just given you the perfect present for your birthday. Write a note thanking them for this present and explaining its significance to you.
2. Write a speech for a class debate proposing or opposing the following motion: ‘Young people in Ireland are extremely materialistic.’
3. You think it would be a good idea if your family only exchanged presents that they have made themselves. Write the group text you would send to your family members to convince them that this is a good idea.
