Agenda Terms of poetry: learn them Be here every day: each day we learn two new poems for the oral Monday; Read War Photographer and bring in 1/2 page commentary
IOC Interactive oral commentary at the church You will choose a poem randomly You will have 20 minutes to prepare your commentary in a quiet room You will be escorted to my room and sit across the table from me and talk for 8 minutes about the poem. Commentary needs to be formal, organized and reveal how well you are able to identify poetic features and how they support the poet’s purpose.
I will give you a minute warning to wrap it up. I will ask some follow up questions and we have a short 2 minute discussion on the poem Then we transition to a ten minute discussion on either Lear or SL. (Again I go down a list of questions and where you are when you walk in is what I ask.
Carol Ann Duffy
Born on December 23 1955, in Glasgow, Scotland's largest city. Attended Liverpool University
The first female, Scottish Poet Laureate in the role's 400 year history, Accepted position in 2009 “the queen of modern British poetry"
"The beginning of a poem is always a moment of tiny revelation, a new way of seeing something, which almost simultaneously attracts language to it - and then the impulse is to catch that with a pen and paper.” Carol Duffy
Education for Leisure
Groups Answer the questions on poetry worksheet Group 1: Dramatic situation Group 2: structure Group 3: language Group 4: Musical Devices Conclusion? First look at poem by yourself then as a group.
Dramatic Situation Dramatic monologue Speaker is a young adolescent male who is bored and tired of being ignored, overlooked. He wants attention in the worst way…by committing Violence, playing god, causing destruction and fear as a means of feeling powerful. Speaking to the reader Tone is sinister: Today I am going to kill something Tone is also ironic: contrast between the speaker’s view of himself and reality.
Structure
Five stanzas Four lines each Poem moves from a threat to action Builds tension with escalating images of violence Syntax: Short “jabbing” sentences. …Why? Other lines that are more lyrical Line 4 Last line
STRUCTURE Punctuation Use of end stops and enjambment. Title? Ironic. Leisure of the unemployed, the drop outs, the underclass. Time on their hands because they have either dropped out of school or have been expelled.
Language Colloquial diction, direct Connotation of the word “genius” We usually associate the word with creativity, but the speaker in this poem seems to be an evil genius, and not much of one at that Capable only of destruction not creation. “God”: association of omnipresent being who created the world, but here used to show how speaker plays god in taking life as well. “I see that it is good>”
Language Imagery: Grey with boredom [day] Pavements Glitter: Interesting contrast. Glitter with what? (blood, something to do?)
language Allusion to Gloucester’s line in King Lear. Image of fly being squashed Another Language. ( death vs language of art,) Ironic humor to show discrepancy between speaker’s egotistical view of himself and our view of him.
Musicality Iambic meter in lyrical lines (yearning) Flat, plodding rhythm…reinforces the monotony of his life.
Thesis Duffy uses______________,___________, and__________________to show_________________________.
homework Half the class annotate and prepare 3 minute oral commentary on Stealing Other half annotate and prepare for Education of Leisure Create a thesis And identify 3 relevant features and how they support poets intent.
agenda Finish We remember your childhood Write a thesis statement Author + verb + feature +verb+ lit. effect and why. See examples on handout Eley’s bullet
We remember your childhood well Think about the title. The poem is a dramatic monologue: The speaker sounds very much on the defensive: clearly the grown-up child has complained about something or asked an awkward question. The parent insists that the child was brought up well and was loved
Conflict? There is a lot of tension between the speaker and listener. We get the impression that the listener is not given much chance to speak - or, if they do, that it is ignored
As readers, we cannot be sure whose memory is more accurate - the parents' or the child's. Is the child exaggerating about the horrors that appear to have taken place? Or are the parents guiltily trying to convince themselves that they didn't happen?
Structure The poem consists of six stanzas of three lines, each of roughly the same length. Each stanza begins with a statement that denies what the child believes to have happened - 'Nobody hurt you'
Language There are many frightening ideas in the poem that are suggested but not developed: "The bad man on the moors" (line 2), a door being locked (line 3), the child being "sent ... away" (line 13). definite sense of fear on the part of the child. "skidmarks of sin" (line 16) are and what is meant by “laid you wide open for Hell" (line 17).
violent verbs - 'hurt, argued, forced, begged' - which add to the sense of danger.
Onomatopoeia is used to describe the voices, "Boom. Boom. Boom Onomatopoeia is used to describe the voices, "Boom. Boom. Boom. We associate a booming sound with explosions and bombs, It is ironic that the parent uses the metaphor "called the tune" (line 10) to indicate the control they had over the child, when the 'music' produced was so violent.
theme "the secret police of your childhood” Poem about memory, childhood, truth lies. A parent trying to soft peddle a difficult childhood?
Eley’s Bullet Read paragraph to partner Class deconstruction
Thesis statement Make sure you are specific. What kind of tone, diction, imagery is used? Mocking tone, ironic tone? Informal diction, poetic diction? Duffy uses foreshadowing and images of decay to create a suspenseful mood that signifies impending death
terms Colloquialism: in a conversational manner that may include slang: Better of dead; Anyone’s guess Connotations: emotional association a reader has for a certain word: God ….but in Education it has a – connotation not as creator but destroyer. Alliteration: repetition of consonant sounds at beginning of sentences; ripped out in rags Assonance: repetition of same vowel sound Mute moon Consonance: identical consonant sound preceded by different vowel: Home, same, breath, worth
Practice commentary Education for Leisure Stealing Partner off. 3 minutes Debrief.
For Friday Group who did Education will discuss it in seminar Everyone Read and annotate Standing Female Nude Answer two questions on hand out for Socratic Seminar (10 pts)
Homework for Monday Read War Photographer From collection Standing Female Nude 1985 And write a commentary that includes thesis and discussion of at least 3 main literary features and how they support theme. (10 pts)
Agenda Seminar on Education for Leisure Socratic Seminar: Next Tuesday: I will be in my room to help you prepare and practice explicating a poem and delivering orals.
Picasso Standing Female Nude
The Grand Nude; 1908
What are the effects of the variety of responses in this poem? What statement do you believe the poem makes on the poem in general? Who has more power in this poem? How is the model objectified?
What is Duffy saying about “ART” other themes? Gender and class struggles Objectification Exploitation of women/artists and commercialization of art
Tone? Cynical tone of a prostitute who poses for money. “The bourgeoisie will coo… Inequality of the classes She stands for 6 hours for a few francs Poem ends on the mention of francs also.
Francis Bacon painting breaks new record http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jSXpbtcGhnglJ1FeFgDiw4mRNGYA?hl=en&docId=0ea14c2e-cd81-40bb-9e01-cb8616c948ba&index=0
tomorrow 9:50-10:55 Prep for IB orals Review poetic terms We will annotate poems Prepare an oral and practice
Think about Power, Gender and class struggles, the male gaze Line breaks emphasize ideas, contrasts and juxtapositions. Why in the last stanza do we have two one word lines? What do they represent or support? Finished… enjambment: line continues just as the work seems to never end.
Finished Also emphasizes the completion, finally after standing nude for six hours. Stands on its own lines…just as the picture will also stand on its own,
Me Reassertion of the model’s individualism. “Finished me.” Two lines stick out and form their own thought Speaks also to the artist’s transformation of model into an unrecognizable version of herself.
Some thoughts on structure Duffy likes regular lined stanzas “I found that [Stealing] fell naturally (as most of my poems do) into regular-lined verses- in this case, 5 5-lined verses. The verses are unrhymed and irregular in meter. These free verses work for me like small canvasses to hold the words of the poem. They help to control the rhythm of the poem… ”
War Photographer From Duffy’s first collection: Standing Female Nude 1985
War Photographer
Vietnam War
Vietnam
Iraq, 2005
Iran, 1979
Make notes on the structure of the first verse In his darkroom he is finally alone with spools of suffering set out in ordered rows. The only light is red and softly glows, as though this were a church and he a priest preparing to atone a Mass. Belfast. Beirut. Phnom Penh. All flesh is grass. Is this continued throughout? Why?
Structure 4 stanzas 6 lines per stanza Regular rhyme scheme – ABBCDD, etc. WHY? Imposes order in the chaos of war Like the photographer – order with the photos, making sense of the chaos
Imagery Four groups…analyze images in assigned stanza and decide how they support topic and theme of poem First by self Discuss with group class Go through poem and highlight or underline all the images.
In his darkroom he is finally alone with spools of suffering set out in ordered rows. The only light is red and softly glows, as though this were a church and he a priest preparing to atone a Mass. Belfast. Beirut. Phnom Penh. All flesh is grass.
In his darkroom he is finally alone Contrast to what? alliteration – what is the effect? What are the connotations of the colours? In his darkroom he is finally alone with spools of suffering set out in ordered rows. The only light is red and softly glows, as though this were a church and he a priest preparing to atone a Mass. Belfast. Beirut. Phnom Penh. All flesh is grass. regularity/order – reflects structure Suggestion of graves/bodies Litany of horror; what is the effect of the caesura? Simile – reverence and devotion to the pictures Isaiah 40:6 – shortness of life
Ambiguity – chemicals/solutions to war Implies carelessness He has a job to do. Solutions slop in trays beneath his hands which did not tremble then though seem to now. Rural England. Home again to ordinary pain which simple weather can dispel, to fields which don’t explode beneath the feet of running children in nightmare heat. Why did they not tremble then? Why now? Suggests idyllic life Contrast: barefoot children running in grass for fun/those running from war – end of innocence and, possibly, life. True meaning to the poem - contrast Cannot compare to pain of war
Something is happening. A stranger’s features Ambiguous: Literal – developing the photo. Figurative – person in pain Something is happening. A stranger’s features faintly start to twist before his eyes, a half-formed ghost. He remembers the cries of this man’s wife, how he sought approval Without words to do what someone must and how the blood stained into foreign dust. Photographer’s dilemma – has a job to do. Metaphor – 1. image on photo, 2. death
Discussion Points How do you think this photographer feels about their job? Pride or guilt? How do you think Duffy feels towards the newspaper editors? What does Duffy seem to be suggesting about the way the readers react to seeing these images? What is Duffy trying to point out about life in Britain compared to Beirut etc? Themes?
Homework Read “Little Red Cap” and answer the questions on the poetry worksheet. Think about how Duffy uses certain literary devices; for what effect? For example, in “War Photographer,” Duffy uses rhyme scheme to impose order on a chaotic world. The alliteration of Belfast. Beruit. Phnom Penh is a harsh sound, suggestive of bombs or bullets. Also, the caesura created between each city creates a pause, similar to a sacred recitation or prayer for the dead.
A hundred agonies in black-and-white Photo Good/evil Truth/lies Trivialises; we are only moved momentarily Contrast to war zone A hundred agonies in black-and-white from which his editor will pick out five or six for Sunday’s supplement. The reader’s eyeballs prick with tears between the bath and pre-lunch beers. From the aeroplane he stares impassively at where He earns his living and they do not care. En route to another assignment; poem is cyclical; unceasing wars Chooses photos to suit the article; don’t convey the full horror of war Who are they? Suggests they are used for entertainment
Group Thesis How does author +verb+ lit. feature+ verb+lit. effect + why. War Photographer Duffy uses structure and the contrasting imagery of war and rural England to reveal the cyclical nature of conflict and the impassivity that some feel toward others’ suffering.
Thesis example Duffy uses structure and the contrasting imagery of war and rural England to reveal the cyclical nature of conflict and the impassivity that some feel toward others’ suffering.
Shooting Stars Class Performance Six groups (count off) Each group will present one stanza. Use choral voices, poses, actions to bring meaning to poem. We will perform with no break
More Poetry terms A caesura is a strong pause within a line, and is often found alongside enjambment. Enjambment: the running over from one line to another
Agenda Finish discussion on “Shooting Stars” Turn to hand out on The World’s Wife Discuss Literary Devices on Little Red-Cap Model of oral (me)
Shooting Stars
Group 1: Reflect on title: make web of denotations and connotations. Group 2: what is the dramatic situation and how is it demonstrated through structure ( form, movement, end-stopped lines: enjambment)? Group 3: What is the significance of the images and how do they contribute to theme[s]? Group 4: what is the significance of the persona’s characterization to poem’s theme[s]? Group 5: What type of diction is used, what tone is created, and how does it support theme or action of poem? Group 6: Discuss use of punctuation and how it supports theme or poet’s intent.
Shooting Stars Use of emotional diction and biblical diction to show the cruelty of the Nazis and the speaker’s plea to remember these atrocities and for humankind to show mercy. uxtaposition of violent Imagery with the mundane to show the indifference to human suffering. “The world/turns in its sleep”
Punctuation Lack of commas between names to show loss of individuality. Elipses…. The names go on and on…. Rhetorical questions: How would you prepare to die? Do you not consider me? 4th stanza: no commas…horror runs into the mundane
Persona A strong woman describing how the women were brave as statues. Juxtaposed with men weeping behind wire….Perhaps to emphasize the horror and strength needed to face such horror?
Terms Satire: A type of literature in which folly, evil or topical issues are held up to scorn through ridicule, irony or exaggeration. Euphemism: an inoffensive word or phrase substituted for one considered offensive or harmful.
Group 1 Mrs. Sisyphus Group 3 Group 5 Group 7 1 Dooon Eurydice Queen Kong Medusa 2 Tressie 1 Max 1 Anna Sam Sinkler 3 Marc 2 Lucy 2 Megan Maggie 4 Stuart 3 Sawyer 3 Malcolm Gary 4 Nora 4 Zane Stellan Group 2 5 Richie 5 Nate Pygmalion’s Bride Group 4 Group 6 1 Sam Shaheen Mrs. Midas Penelope 2 Diego 1 Cedric 1 Rachel 3 Paige 2 Victoria 2 Fiona 4 Jonah 3 Andrea 3 Paul 5 Martina 4 Nina 4 Liam 5 Sam O.
Assign Groups and poems Finish “Little Red-Cap” What Literary Devices does Duffy use to show how the speaker moves to self-reliance.? Meet in Groups Homework: Read your poem, annotate it, know it, be ready to jump into group work on Monday. We Begin presentations on Tuesday: “Sisyphus” (10 minute work time before presentation) All students will continue writing half page commentary on Duffy’s poems- due the day poem is presented in class.
Allusion: using an old literary character little girl, pawn, victim Allusion: using an old literary character little girl, pawn, victim. Here more realistic. What could happen. She can take care of herself . Making fun…turning story on its head. Reflection on marriage …loss of innocence. Broken away from marriage. She saves herself. Bones… past oppression of grandmother who was eaten, could not escape. Short internal rhyme, similariteis to older fok story. Rhyme…creepy images…foreshadowing Structure: short pwerul phrases… she becomes the the power. Repetition of axe: to emphasize the oppression and her breaking from it. Allure of the wolf Symbolism of the wolf: men house becomes a place where women are subjugated by men.At childhoods end…end of being safe
Allusion of original story, likes his appearance. She is on the make. Pawl Drawl: consonnance … internal rhyme. Pacing increased…Heightens the emotions, emotion attachement. String of words…excitement Third stanza of…metaphor into the tangled thorny place” POETRY!!!Winged innoncences is now knowledge books… repetition of words.
Group 1 Group 3 Queen Kong Eurydice Group 6 Alice Caroline Medusa Yesenia Sam G. Anna Julian Leah Averi Maria Mitchel Evan Klaas Eva Group 4 Group 2 Mrs. Midas Group 7: Penelope Sisyphus Philip Naja Harrison Angie Julia P Edwin Rowan Olivia Miriam Julia D Ellie Min Group 5 Pygmalion’s Bride Steph Firdaws Linnea Emma
Allusion: a reference to another literary work, famous person, myth, poem Childhoods end? Adolescent First Stanza: long sentence. The edge of the town…the end of childhood Images: mmmmalliteration muted….soft sound…life is sheltered. Second stanza: Reading poetry. His maturity and intelligence. Authorityallsuion to the original …She was scared of the owlf in the original, here this is what attra ts her. Internal line,,Rushed pacing…excitement Third Stanza: my first: emphas on first “encounter”First line: coloquial language. Informal…youth of speaker she is defending the situation. Short sentences. Periods create caesura.Poetry.
Re-rendering of Fairy Tales Little Red-Cap takes on a feminist twist to the original tale in which a young girl falls victim to a predator. Here, Little Red-Cap initiates the relationship with a “wolf” or older man for the sexual experience, but also to be introduced to the world of poetry. The poem serves as an metaphor for female writers in a male world.
Group Work First: discuss poem and come to a consensus on meaning. Identify poetic elements and who will present what Then work on dramatic reading of poem. Tomorrow: Sisyphus Group will present. You will have 15 minutes to work in group and 30 minutes to present poem. Everyone else needs to read the poem and write half a page commentary.
Schedule Ten minutes check with group Pygmalion’s Bride (commentary due) Midas ( on deck) Thursday: Penelope Friday: Queen Kong Formal typed commentary on favorite Duffy poem due next Monday, Dec. 9 See handout for ways to organize this
Workshop after school Thursday Wed AM?
Write thesis for poem How does author +verb+ lit. feature+ verb+lit. effect + why. Example: Carol Ann Duffy uses a sarcastic tone and humorous allusions to Aesop’s Fables to show the wife’s discontent in her marrige and to depict her husband as an unoriginal bore.
Evidence for Thesis Meat and potatoes, Tofu and vegetables of Oral 5-8 items Author uses______to (show, illustrate, portray) State line number say the line and explain how it connects to thesis, or poem’s theme. ( “In line 6, stanza 2 Duffy alludes to King Lear: say line”.) Explain the literary effect (“Duffy uses allusion in stanza two in order to show the alienation of this young man from his education.”) Move to next example
Sign up for orals tomorrow right after school. Will need about an hour Walk to church, (5 min) 20 minutes prep, 20 minutes oral, walk back to school. Arrive ten minutes before prep time: example: prep begins at 8:40, arrive 8:30.
Poetic Devices Voice of speaker: Cynical? Insulting? Tone? Satirical? Mocking? Pleading? Angry? Sorowful
Staple commentary to commentary and turn in Bring Lear tomorrow
Opening comments for Oral General comments of poem: Title, poet, context (collection) Structure: Duffy uses regular 6 line stanzas Purpose? What is it about? Literal meaning Identify dramatic situation The speaker. Is it a dramatic monolgue? Be clear with pronouns. She? Duffy? Or the speaker Deeper meaning? Say one or two sentences here. Thesis Continue with analysis. Be sure to cite lines when you discuss literary devices and their effects
Two approaches Stanza by Stanza Or by literary features. Choose one to practice with for today. It depends on poem as well. Make sure you are relating back to thesis, literary effect and poet’s intent.
Practice Oral 10 minutes to annotate Partner A: 5 minute oral Switch- Partner B: five minutes Move to another partner Practice again