To Brooklyn Bridge

Worksheet Description

This worksheet engages students with the poetic device of cacophony through Hart Crane’s poem “To Brooklyn Bridge.” It aims to develop the students’ analytical abilities by having them identify and contemplate the deliberate use of harsh, discordant sounds within the poem. The first task requires learners to scrutinize the text for cacophonous elements—words or phrases that clash, creating a jarring effect on the reader’s ear. This exercise not only hones students’ close reading skills but also their sensitivity to the auditory aspects of poetry.

The second part of the worksheet invites a deeper reflection on how cacophony serves the poem’s thematic development. Students are encouraged to consider how these aurally challenging elements enhance the imagery and emotional resonance of the poem. They need to think critically about the way Crane’s use of cacophony might mirror the chaotic, bustling energy of New York City or the awe-inspiring yet overwhelming presence of the Brooklyn Bridge. By analyzing the impact of sound on the poem’s overall effect, students gain insight into the nuanced ways poets like Crane use language to enrich their themes and evoke specific atmospheres or responses from the reader.