Maybe the Pumpkin Isn't so Great!?!

http://www.i-mockery.com/halloween/bag/great-pumpkin-analysis.php

Read this hilarious critical analysis of this favorite children's classic. Then, choose a classic story of your own and do a critical analysis by completing 2 or 3 character arcs. It can be a "show" or a "story".

When in Rome

This poem covers two of our major educational situation, it deals with reading poetry the right way, and racial relations/situations.
So,

1. Read the poem, several times.
2. Define any words or allusions
3. Paraphrase the meaning
4. Consider the author and the situation
4. Combine the beauty of the poem, the reading of the poem and the paraphrase of it to decided on this: What is the POEMS purpose? Not the author's purpose, but the poem's purpose.
5 Point out any literary devices and tell us how those devices work towards the poem's beauty and or purpose.

And finally, does this poem have any importance to or shed any light on any characters or situations  in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn?

http://priorhouse.org/2013/09/09/4-poems-by-mari-evans/

Literary Devices...and ACTION!

Here is a list of literary devices.

Choose a nice list of devices and either choose a poem that contains these devices or write an original poem that makes use of the devices.

If you choose a poem, point out the lines containing the devices and comment on how the devices are used and how they add to the beauty or meaning of the piece.

If you are writing an original poem,  tell us how you hoped the devices would add to the meaning and or beauty of the poem.

Not Always Pretty, Not Always Pleasant, but Always Beautiful!

Favorite Poem Project
http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/175898

In Dulce Et Decorum Est, what is the narrator's attitude or tone toward war? Is there a rhythm to the poem? And what is the purpose of  Owen using the Latin phrases?

When Homecoming Gets Wierd

When Homecoming Gets Weird

Read these three reports titled "When Homecoming Gets Weird". Then, put on your creative hat and write a story. It must be titled, "When Homecoming Gets Weird" and it has to be set in St. Marys PA during Homecoming Weekend.  Your story should not relay any real shenanigans that occurred over the weekend. This should be entirely fictional. Have fun with it, but follow the rules of good writing!

Bad to the Bone?

Here is an article that highlights some "bad poetry". After reading Mr. Simbeck's blog post from last week, read over the poems in this article. It is so easy to get it wrong, isn't it! Even some of our favorites have made significant blunders. After reading the article, make a comment about whether or not a poem or a piece of art can be considered "bad". Then, find a poem that you think is "good" and share it with us. Tell us what you love about it.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/10651864/The-worst-poems-by-great-writers.html

One Soldier's Story

http://www.nashvillescene.com/nashville/one-soldiers-story/Content?oid=1180646

In light of our presentation this week, I thought this was quite timely. Additionally, the article highlights poetry as a form, as well something that is just downright important. Read the piece and respond to it. What do you like about it, what did you learn from it and how does it change your understanding and appreciation of poetry?