Charlotte O’Neil’s Song

1. Charlotte O’Neil’s Song Roots and Water

2. M.L.O To understand the story within the poem.

3. Charlotte O’Neil’s Song Today we're going to read a new poem by a woman called Fiona Farrell. We're going to answer some questions on it to decide what the story is, and then we're going to storyboard the events of the poem.

4. Prediction • Charlotte O’Neil is probably from... • I think this because...

5. Charlotte O’Neil’s Song You rang your bell and I answered. I polished your parquet floor. I scraped out your grate And I washed your plate And I scrubbed till my hands were raw. You lay on a silken pillow. I lay on an attic cot. That's the way it should be, you said. That's the poor girl's lot. You dined at eight And slept till late. I emptied your chamber pot. The rich man earns his castle, you said The poor deserve the gate. But I'll never say "sir" Or "thank you ma'am" And I'll never curtsey more. You can bake your bread And make your bed And answer your own front door. I've cleaned your plate And I've cleaned your house And I've cleaned the clothes you wore. But now you're on your own, my dear. I won't be there any more. And I'll eat when I please And I'll sleep where I please and you can open your own front door.

6. Questions • Where do you think this poem was written? • Who is the main character? • What was her job? • Did she like it? • What are the first two verses about? • What happens in the last two verses?

7. Using a box for each verse, draw a picture to represent what happens in that verse. For example, in box one you might draw a woman working hard, scrubbing the floor.