Reflections on class, 9/17

My title is sort of pun-ny since the poem we discussed today was "The Mirror". I'm so funny and smart! :)

Seriously, though, I don't like that you left feeling frustrated, but at the same time, I'm glad you were frustrated. Poetry is difficult--and while I did tell you that the meaning of a poem can be left to interpretation, I did not tell you that what happens in a poem is up for interpretation. And I also told you that some interpretations are better--are more right--than others. Confusing? Yes.

When we explicate a poem in class, we break down the poem to understand its parts and how they function to create the experience of the poem as a whole. Those parts are what the AP test will assess you on. How do those parts function individually? What are they? Name them if you can (literary devices). Should you be good at them right now? Absolutely not. Should you be better than you were 3 weeks ago? Absolutely yes.

Sam commented today that you don't have this kind of time on an AP test--the kind of time to do what we do in class. Of course you don't--then it'd be a 10 hour test! But with continued practice, you will get better, you will get faster, and the analysis will get easier. Give yourselves time.

Our book quotes Emily Dickinson's definition of poetry: "If I feel physically as if the top of my head were taken off, I know that it is poetry" (789). If a poet has this to say about poetry, then I think we have room, as readers, to still feel uncomfortable and like we're sometimes whacking our brain against a wall. And that is okay.

I'd like you to take a few minutes to read the passages on pp. 769, 772-774, 777 (top half), and 788-790 (focus especially on the boxed list). I think they might help ease the pain of studying poetry.

Hmm...Poetry?

How are you feeling about poetry right now? Still uncomfortable? Mildly comfortable? A pro? Explain how you are doing with the study of poetry at this point, almost a month in. What else do you need to know to feel comfortable?

Genuine poetry?

"Genuine poetry can communicate before it is understood."
       T.S. Eliot

Paraphrase this quote.  What does it mean for a poem to communicate?  Does the ability for a poem to communicate make it genuine? Do you agree with this quote?

You...a poet?

Write a poem using the following 5 words: random, sultry, burnt umber, peacock, strenuous.

What is poetry?

Do you ever feel like a plastic bag,
Drifting through the wind
Wanting to start again?
Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin
Like a house of cards,
One blow from caving in?

Do you ever feel already buried deep?
6 feet under screams but no one seems to hear a thing
Do you know that there's still a chance for you?
'Cause there's a spark in you

What is poetry? Is this poetry? Why? Why not?

Complete lyrics: http://www.directlyrics.com/katy-perry-firework-lyric

Who is this mysterious mistress?

Re-read the poem "To His Coy Mistress" by Andrew Marvell. Think about our discussion in class. Re-evaluate the diction (word choice) of the author. What type of woman is the speaker addressing? Who is she? Make sure to use textual evidence as support.

What should we name ourselves?

Let's give ourselves a better title for this blog. Suggestions?

The Study of Literature

Why is it important to study literature? Conduct some research--why do others think the study of literature is valuable? Why do you think the study of literature is important?

Who are YOU as a writer?

Describe yourself as a writer. How do you approach writing? Do you write to complete the assignment? Or do you write to communicate what you have learned? What process do you go through when you write?

Who are YOU as a reader?

As we begin to expand ourselves as readers, I would like to know who you are as a reader right now. What do you choose to read? When do you read? Why do you read? Describe yourself as a reader.