Poetry+Unit

= What is poetry? = Does poetry have to rhyme and use poetic devices? Does poetry have to tell a story? Does poetry have to use sophisticated language? If not, how do we define poetry? = How do these poems mean? = No, the above statement is not a typo. Most people know to ask what a poem means, but sometimes in order to answer that question fully one must ask HOW the poem makes that meaning.

Read the following poems. Investigate the poem and/or author on the web and provide an insightful reaction by posting separate responses on the discussion board. You may comment on tone, form/meter/structure, theme, speaker, reaction and impressions.

"In a Station of the Metro" The apparition of these faces in the crowd; Petals on a wet, black bough. -Ezra Pound

"The Red Wheelbarrow" so much depends upon

a red wheel barrow

glazed with rain water

beside the white chickens. -William Carlos Williams

"This is Just to Say" I have eaten the plums that were in the icebox

and which you were probably saving for breakfast

Forgive me they were delicious so sweet and so cold -William Carlos Williams

=AP Test Prep: Chapter 3=

Both "The Cross" (page 602, Chapter 3) and "The Incident" (page 662, Chapter 7) discuss the experiences of African Americans fitting into society. Compare and contrast the two poems using the Venn diagram handout. Then write an analysis of the two in the **discussion thread "Cross"and"Incident"** while taking into consideration the poetic techniques used by both poets and the intended meaning of each poem. Plan on writing two well developed paragraphs. Do not worry about an introduction or conclusion for this quick response. The goal is to "get your feet wet" with the concept of an AP comparison.

When you finish your response, you should read all of your classmates' responses and respond to at least one with a direct connection to the text. If you finish with that reaction response, you should research the poets and/or other critiques of the poems.

= Chapter 6/7 Rose Comparison (Extra Test Prep) =

The AP Question 1 Essay asks for a comparison of two poems. The two poems might share a theme, topic, context or image, but no matter what the connection is, the essay is usually required to reveal how poetic techniques are used to explore an idea/concept or tell a story.

Both "One Perfect Rose" (page 664-665) and "The Sick Rose" (page 641-642) use the rose as a symbol. Compare and contrast the two poems in the discussion thread "Rose Comparison" while taking into consideration the poetic techniques used by both poets and the intended meaning of each poem.