 On a piece of paper, write down the three themes that we discussed in Of Mice and Men.  For each theme, write down one example from the novel.  You will share your examples with the class.

FOUND POETRY

WHAT IS FOUND POETRY?  Definition: A type of poetry that is created by taking words or phrases from other sources and rearranging them into the form of a poem.  Books, article, websites, etc.  Found poetry is usually free verse.  Does not have a set rhyme or pattern.

HOW TO CREATE A FOUND POEM 1. Select and read a text to inspire you. 2. Select a central idea, theme, or topic that will be the focus of the poem. 3. Select words or phrases from the text that help convey the idea, theme, or topic. 4. Rearrange the words or phrases to form your poem.  The lines should flow and have a logical sequence.  Do not add any additional words.  Remember: poems do not have to rhyme. 5. Give your poem a creative title.

EXAMPLE A found poem uses language from other texts and turns it into poetry. Think of it like a collage of words and phrases. Writing this types of poetry is a kind of treasure hunt. Search for interesting scraps of language, then put them together in different ways and see what comes out. Putting seemingly unrelated things together can create a kind of chemical spark, leading to surprising results. FOUND POETRY Treasure of scraps of language Words and phrases Put them together In different ways Spark surprising results

PRACTICE Work with a partner to create a found poem. Select 3 quotes that support the theme. Write a poem that is 5 lines. Present poem to the class.

2nd QUARTER INDEPENDENT READING PROJECT Create a found poem based on a theme from your independent novel. Poem should be at least15 lines. Poem should be typed. Select at least 10 quotes. Write the quotes on the worksheet I provide. Underline or highlight the parts of the quote you use in the poem. Use correct parenthetical citations. (Author’s last name #) Present you poem to the class. Use the checklist that I have provided to make sure that you follow all of the guidelines

EXAMPLE 1 “Life in this Universe” I believe the universe wants to be noticed It is improbably biased toward consciousness Living in the middle of history On a roller coaster that only goes up You don’t get to choose if you get hurt But you do have some say in what hurts you You don’t give it the power to do its killing But I’m a rebel And I like my choices Chosen slowly and then all at once

EXAMPLE 1 “I believe the universe wants to be noticed. I think the universe is improbably biased toward consciousness, that it rewards intelligence in part because the universe enjoys it elegance being observed” (Green 223). “And who am I, living in the middle of history, to tell the universe that it—or my observation on it—is temporary” (Green 223). “I’m on a rollercoaster that only goes up my friend” (Green 11). “You don’t get to choose if you get hurt in this world, but you do have some say in who hurts you. I like my choices” (Green 313). “It’s a metaphor, see: you put the killing thing between your teeth, but you don’t give it the power to do its killing” (Green 20). “I shouldn’t, but I’m a rebel” (Green 108). “as he read, I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly and then all at once” (Green 125).

EXAMPLE 2 “Humans” We want to be noticed To not be temporary Leaving a mark Bequeathing a legacy That is part of history To help To hurt Living Outlasting the inevitability of human oblivion But everything is a story that ends

EXAMPLE 2 “Almost everyone is obsessed with leaving a mark upon the world. Bequeathing a legacy. Outlasting death. We all want to be remembered” (Green 310). “We’re as likely to hurt the universe as we are to help it, and we’re not likely to do either” (Green 312). “I believe the universe wants to be noticed. I think the universe is impossibly biased toward consciousness, that it rewards intelligence in part because the universe enjoys its elegance being observed. And who am I, living in the middle of history, to tell the universe that it—or my observation of it—is temporary” (Green 223). I know it’s a very literary decision and everything and probably part of the reason I love the book so much, but there is something to recommend a story that ends” (Green 49).” “If the inevitability of human oblivion worries you, I encourage you to ignore it” (Green 13).

EXAMPLE 3 “Champion” We are the creators of our own destiny. Be it through intention or ignorance, That which we manifest is before us A true champion Embraces his fear. The true test To understand Is to be alone. Interminable minutes tick by. I am lonely. However, I can overcome this. I am ready.

EXAMPLE 3 “But a racer should not fear the rain, he should embrace it” (Stein 44). “Such a simple concept, yet so true; that which we manifest is before us; we are the creators of our own destiny” (Stein 43). “Be it through intentions or ignorance, our success and failures have been brought on by none other than ourselves” (Stein 43). “However things might change around us, we would always be together” (Stein 106). “The true test of a champion is not whether he can triumph, but whether he can overcome obstacles—preferably of his own making—in order to triumph” (Stein 135). “I am ready” (Stein 980. “Did he understand, as those interminable minutes ticked by, that being alone is not the same as being lonely” (Stein).