Friday, September 11,2009

Do Now - Journal: Write at least 5 sentences.
What were you doing 9/11/01? How did you hear the news?


Unit 1 Poetry: Langston Hughes

I, Too, Sing America
by Langston Hughes

I, too, sing America.

I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.

Tomorrow,
I'll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody'll dare
Say to me,
"Eat in the kitchen,"
Then.

Besides,
They'll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed--

I, too, am America.

Questions:
1. What is the mood of this poem?
2. Is it free verse?
3. What is the message?
4. How is this poem a rebuttal or rejoinder to Whitman's poem?

Writing Assignment: Brainstorm times in your life when you've been treated with disrespect or have had a problem. Dream how things will change when you grow strong.

Homework: Write a rough draft of a poem in the style of Langston Hughes.
OR
Write a rough draft of a catalogue poem in the style of Walt Whitman.
DUE MONDAY! (50 points)