Description
This lesson focuses on a close poem analysis of “Nothing Gold Can Stay” by Robert Frost and works perfectly as a companion activity for The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton. It also functions as a strong standalone lesson for teaching the poem on its own, even if students are not reading the novel.
In Chapter 5 of The Outsiders, Ponyboy recites “Nothing Gold Can Stay,” making the poem a key symbol in the novel. The poem represents the universal idea of innocence, impermanence, and the importance of “staying gold.” By analyzing the poem closely, students build deeper comprehension that directly supports later analysis of the novel’s theme and character development.
During this lesson, students examine important literary elements such as rhyme scheme, tone, theme, metaphor, alliteration, allusion, imagery, and personification. The structured analysis helps students move beyond surface-level understanding and prepares them to make stronger thematic connections in longer texts.
To extend learning and increase engagement, students also study a paired text with a similar theme. They listen to a Bob Dylan song, analyze the lyrics, answer guided questions, and then compare and contrast how both texts express shared ideas. This paired-text approach strengthens critical thinking while reinforcing theme across different genres and mediums.
Perfect for middle school and early high school ELA, this lesson supports poetry analysis, thematic understanding, and meaningful connections between poetry, music, and literature.