The American Dream An Introduction

Suite Madame Blue SweetSuite Homophones Wife or prominent female figure A woman who runs a brothel Homonyms ColorSymbol

What is America being personified as in this song? What is your evidence? Wife or prominent female figure A woman who runs a brothel Personified: Giving human qualities to something non human

What is the tone of the song? TONE: Attitude of the author—how does the author feel about the subject? I’m a fool I wait long ago I long for the past

What is America being personified as in this song? What is your evidence? Write a 5-7 sentence paragraph drawing a conclusion and defending your response with at least one SPECIFIC example from the song. Wife or prominent female figure A woman who runs a brothel Personified: Giving human qualities to something non human

Identify Opinions Given the tone and personification, how does the artist feel about current America?Given the tone and personification, how does the artist feel about current America?

Phillis Wheatley First African American in the United States to publish a book of poetry published.First African American in the United States to publish a book of poetry published. Published in England firstPublished in England first Document had to be signed by men who had examined and found her to be worthy and “smart enough” to be a poet.Document had to be signed by men who had examined and found her to be worthy and “smart enough” to be a poet.

“To His Excellency, General George Washington” Ode to George Washington. America is personified as the goddess Columbia. –female counterpart of Christopher Columbus (District of Columbia, Columbia pictures, Columbia records etc.) Often depicted holding a liberty pole, propping up a shield of the United States, standing beside a bust or depiction of George Washington, or offering food to a bald eagle.

Personifying America AuthorStyxWheatley Background Tone Main idea

Theme Broad idea or message that is conveyed by a work. What is one theme that we have already looked at?

How would you personify America? Queen/Princess Well respected celebrity Soldier Mother/Father/ Caregiver Drunk Gambler Not respected celebrity Hacker Thief PositiveNegative Specific: Julia Roberts Specific: Lindsay Lohan

Your Turn Your Turn Define your idea of the American Dream and personify America. Thinking about current events and the two poems we looked at today, how would you personify America? Would she be the goddess that Wheatley sees or the “lady of questionable morals” Styx sees? Decide how you would like to personify her and write a poem based on your ideas. Remember to think about the American dream definition and what it means to you.