Poetry Themes and Responses Imprints 12 Poetry Unit Poetry Themes and Responses Imprints 12

Poetry Introduction Poetry analysis should give way to a more intuitive response. Poems in this unit have been assembled for their meaning and for what the meaning brings to the reader. Thematic clusters for this unit include: The Carousel of Time Since Feeling is First Grief of Mind The Good Life Overwhelming Questions

“If a Poem Could Walk” by Lorna Crozier Uses metaphor to capture an essential truth about poetry. Poetry Project Assignment #1 Crozier imagines a poem as a sure-footed animal, simultaneously “tame and wild.” Discuss what Crozier is suggesting about the nature and purpose of poetry. (150 words) Select the most powerful line(s) that resonate with you to be the focal point of your visual poster for this unit.

Theme #1 – The Carousel of Time What are the parallels between life and a carousel? Read poems from Group 3 (p.183-185) “Silent, but...” – by Tsuboi Shigeji “There’s Silence Between One Page and Another” – by Valerio Magrelli “I Know I am Young” – by Ann Lazechko “On the Value of Fantasies” – by Elizebeth Brewster In groups determine: a) type of poem(does it have rhyme or rhythm); b) literary devices used (ie. figurative language); c) tone; d) meaning/message

Respond to the following: Answer Response Questions #1a & b pg. 185 (100 words each) “We shall not cease from exploration/ And the end of all our exploring/ Will be to arrive where we started/ And know the place for the first time” – T.S. Eliot In what ways does the above quotation support the theme “The Carousel of Time”? Use examples from the poems you have read. Minimum 150 words.

POETRY PROJECT #2(pg.185 #3) Create an illustration that captures the visual imagery contained in “There’s Silence Between One Page and Another.” Attach an explanation of how your visual is true to the poem. C4 – I can represent my learning through visual display. I have difficulty translating written text into something visual. My visual work is basic and shows my understanding at a literal level. My visual work demonstrates some insight and has appropriate symbolism and imagery. My visual work is visually appealing, thought provoking, and includes insightful representations of imagery and symbolism.

Theme #2 – Since Feeling Is First Poetry on the theme of love has a long history, going back to the very beginning of poetry and song. Poems in this cluster explore the notion that “love is everything.” Read Poems from Group 1 (p.191-194) “Since Feeling Is First” – E.E. Cummings “Love Is Not All” – by Edna St. Vincent Millay “Sonnet CXVI” – by William Shakespeare In groups, discuss and complete Response Questions pg. 194 #1a-c (100 words each).

POETRY PROJECT #3(pg.194 #3) Rewrite “Love Is Not All,” using images and details from your own experience. You may choose to maintain the serious tone or create a humorous parody instead. Maintain the sonnet rhyme scheme and rhythm. C8-10 – I can produce written and visual work that synthesizes my personal experiences and my connections to text. I sometimes struggle to understand the text and often cannot make any meaningful connections. What I produce is a literal interpretation of the text with only basic connections. What I produce is a thoughtful analysis. I can make appropriate connections to the texts and to my personal experiences. What I produce is a thoughtful and mature analysis. It always makes connections to other texts, experiences, and the world.

Theme #3 – Grief of Mind Death and loss are an undeniable part of life, and poets do not shy away from these topics. Although the examination can be painful and bleak, there is also consolation and the understanding that, as Archibald Lampman says, “There is a beauty at the goal of life.” Read Poems from Group 1 (pg. 206-208): “Late Landing” – Julia M. Spicher “The Chariot” – Emily Dickinson “Miss Dickinson Goes to the Office” – Gail White Respond to Questions pg. 208 #1a,c, & d and #2 Literature Studies.

POETRY PROJECT #4 The ending of “Late Landing” leaves the reader to interpret all types of emotions, and elicits immediate reactions. If the poem were to continue what would the next 2-3 stanza’s look like? Write what your interpretation of the next 2-3 stanza’s in the poem “Late Landing” could be. Draw a scene that would reflect the atmosphere of this poem.

Theme #4 – Overwhelming Questions Poets often use poetry as a medium for exploring overwhelming questions. These questions include: What am I? Who am I? Is there a purpose to life? What is my purpose for being? What kind of a world do we live in? What is my role here? What is the nature of happiness? Is it attainable? How can I achieve it? Read the Poems in Group 2 (pg. 236-238). “Did I Miss Anything?” – Tom Wayman “What Is the Validity of Your Life?” – Dorothy Livesay Respond to Question #1a-c p. 239 (100 words each)

POETRY PROJECT #5 Now that you are soon-to-be grads, you have gained some perspective over the years. Choose one of the ‘big’ questions surrounding life to discuss. You need to include the following in your discussion: What I know for sure about this topic What I still don’t know and hope to find out Advice for the future generations This can be done in either poem format (minimum 3 stanzas); or letter format.

Poetry Response Essay Select three poems that are connected in some way (e.g. remind you of your childhood, call you to question an aspect of life, appeal to your sense of humour...). Develop a thesis that links the poems and write a five paragraph personal response essay that explores a conversation between your world and the world of the poem. Your essay needs to include specific references to elements of the poems and your response to them. This is to be a PERSONAL RESPONSE essay and NOT an analysis. This essay should be approximately 500 words. You will be assessed on the Prose Writing Rubric out of 6. Your mark with be multiplied by 5 for a total of 30 marks.