Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Today's Objectives:

At the end of today's class you'll be able to:

1. Identify free verse poetry.

2. Analyze the theme, mood, and imagery of a poem.

3. Create a free verse poem in the style of Langston Hughes.

Do Now in your journal: (minimum of 5 lines/ 5 minutes)
Think of a time in your life when you've been disrespected or had your feelings hurt. Describe the situation and how you felt.
 
Unit 1 Poetry, continued: 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? Find an example from the poem that proves your point.
2. Is it free verse? How do you know?
3. What is the message?
4. Does the poem use imagery? Underline an example.
5. How is this poem a rebuttal or rejoinder to Whitman's poem?

Writing Assignment: Using each of Hughes' lines, create a situation where you've been disrespected. Write 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 catalog poem in the style of Walt Whitman. Due tomorrow. ( 30 points.) Your Unit I project is due Thursday. See your handout!