“Letters to a Young Poet” ```By Rainer Maria Rilke

Imagine this: Write 3 Sentences: Your best friend is an aspiring rap artist and sends you a copy of their mix tape to listen to over the weekend. Since you’ve listened to rap music since elementary school, your friend wants to know your honest opinion. criticism (n.) – the activity of making careful judgments about the good and bad qualities of books, movies, etc Write 3 Sentences: Would you listen to their mix tape and give your friend constructive criticism so they can improve ? Or would you listen to their mix tape and keep your criticisms to yourself Why???

“Letters To a Young Poet” Who? Rilke writes 10 letters in response to a young man named Kappus Why? Kappus is struggling to decide if he wants to become a writer or a soldier What? Rilke is responding to Kappus’ request that he critique his poetry When? February 17, 1903 Where? Paris, France

Letter One Setting: Written in Paris, France on February 17, 1903 criticism (n.) – the activity of making careful judgments about the good and bad qualities of books, movies, etc. Theme: ???

How To: Create a Found Poem 1.) Circle or list the strongest words from Letter 1. Pay special attention to powerful verbs, significant nouns, and well-chosen adjectives. 2.) Start the poem with a strong word or phrase. As much as possible, honor the author’s original order of words. Think about which phrases require emphasis, and consider line breaks accordingly. Strong words and phrases should stand alone. 3.) Edit the poem for verb tense. If you add words to maintain grammatical sense, keep them at a minimum. 4.) Title the poem and write a final draft. Be sure

Ticket-Out-The-Door What is 1 important idea introduced in the first two paragraphs of “Letters”?

Homework: How does Rilke introduce and develop an important idea in the first two paragraphs of “Letter One”? Use 2 pieces of textual evidence in your response.