Read and annotate the poems by Marvin, Abi-Karam, and Johnson. Then, select the poem that piqued your interest the most, and complete the following.
- In a paragraph, describe what “happens” in the poem. Or, put another way, describe what you think the poem means. What is the poet attempting to communicate in writing this poem? Remember, it is completely fine to be speculative! But also remember that you are making an INTERPRETIVE CLAIM, an ARGUMENT about the meaning of the poem.
- In a second paragraph, do your best to describe HOW the poem develops its meaning. Does the poet, for example, employ any interesting metaphors or similes? Does the poet personify a particular object or place? Does the poet use any shocking or strange words? Does the poet employ vivid or evocative language to describe a person, place, thing, or idea? Does the poet seem to use any hyperbolic language? There are many, many ways to approach this!
- In a third paragraph, try to determine how your selected poem supports, challenges, or otherwise addresses some of the ideas raised in the secondary readings we have encountered in this class (this includes the readings by Ahmed, Freud, Malatino, and Chu). Does your poem, for example, describe a particular loss that can be usefully understood through Freud’s schema of mourning vs. melancholia? Does your poem describe the negative feelings that very often accompany the “lag” time of transition described by Malatino? Does your poem deal with matters of happiness and “the good life” as described by Ahmed? Or maybe something else! Again, there are many, many ways to approach this. If you are having a difficult time drawing a connection between your selected poem and the secondary readings listed above, you may instead reflect on how your poem embodies some of the political ideals espoused by Abi-Karam and Gabriel in their introduction to the anthology.
Submit your response below as a comment.
COMPLETE BY THURSDAY, 10/12, @ 5:00 p.m.
