THESIS: In the poem, Soto uses imagery and symbolism to show the progression of the boys feelings...

1. Evidence 2: "I took my girl's hand in mine for two block,"

1.1. Analysis: This shows the growth in confidence that the boy is feeling as time passes in the poem.

2. Evidence 1: "I touched her shoulder and led her down the street."

2.1. Analysis: This demonstrates the tentative manner and confidence that he exhibits at the beginning of the poem.

3. ASSERTION 2: Physical imagery demonstrates the speaker's growth in confidence throughout the poem.

4. ASSERTION 3:

4.1. Evidence 1:

4.1.1. Analysis:

4.2. Evidence 2:

4.2.1. Analysis:

5. ASSERTION 1: Soto uses visual imagery to emphasize the boy's feelings in contrast to the environment.

5.1. Evidence 1: "December. Frost Cracking Beneath my steps, my breath before me, then gone"

5.1.1. Analysis: From this the reader knows that it is winter. The speaker does not describe a winter wonderland, but rather a stifling cold.

5.2. Evidence 2: "Fog hanging like old coats between the trees."

5.2.1. Analysis: The words old and hanging are both negatively connotative. The reader feels as if the weather is hanging over the scene of the young couple in an ominous way.