WrayName:

E10 Per:

Poetry about Literature Activity

Directions: You will count off in groups of three. Find 3-4 people who have your same number. Each group will focus on one poem. First, select a group member to read the poem out loud. Work together to respond to the questions about your poem. Each group member should record the answers you come up with as a group. Your group will be responsible for sharing your findings and observations with the class. As you listen to the two other groups’ responses, add to your own handout.

Questions for “Introduction to Poetry”

1. How does the speaker of the poem want his/her students to read and experience poetry? How do students actually read and discuss poetry?

2. Pick your favorite example of figurative language. What is the speaker trying to convey with figurative language? Why does it appeal to you?

3. What has your experience with poetry been like? Do you like it? Do you read poetry on your own? Do you write poetry? Be sure to discuss as a group!

Questions for “When I Met My Muse”

1. What is a muse? If you don’t know, look it up! (This is an appropriate use of your cell phone.)

2. How do the muse and writing change the way the speaker experiences the world?

3. What has your experience with poetry been like? Do you like it? Do you read poetry on your own? Do you write poetry? Be sure to discuss as a group!

Questions for “The Art of Poetry”

1. Look up Heraclitus, Ithaca, and Ulysses.(This is an appropriate use of your cell phone.) Who or what were they? How do they connect to what the speaker is trying to convey?

2. According to the speaker, what should poetry do for its readers? How can the experience of writing and reading poetry affect people’s lives?

3. What has your experience with poetry been like? Do you like it? Do you read poetry on your own? Do you write poetry? Be sure to discuss as a group!

Exit Slip Question: Why do you think I began English 10 with these poems? How will it affect your study of literature in this class? Do you agree with the messages these poems are trying to convey? Explain. Please answer these questions on a half sheet of paper. You will turn your response in at the end of class.