10/1

Reading on Sound Devices and Scansion (quiz on rhythm and meter.)

Due 9/29

Poetry Paper!

Also, as per a conversation that took place in 2nd period, I traditionally move the due date of one (and only one) assignment during the poetry unit. With the magic of technology, I can get your opinion on which assignment should be moved. Consider your options carefully, because all other unit due dates remain fixed.


Your vote is "input" which I will take under careful consideration. Please see the poll to the right.

Due 9/25

DiYanni reading on Symbolism and Allegory.

Due 9/21

DiYanni Diction (436-444) and Voice (427-436) Due Day #5
Rough Draft of 1st Poetry Paper Due Day #6 (9/23)

Begin Prospectus Assignment!

First poetry paper poem:

when serpents bargain for the right to squirm
and the sun strikes to gain a living wage-
when thorns regard their roses with alarm
and rainbows are insured against old age

when every thrush may sing no new moon in
if all screech-owls have not okayed his voice
-and any wave signs on the dotted line
or else an ocean is compelled to close

when the oak begs permission of the birch
to make an acorn-valleys accuse their
mountains of having altitude-and march
denounces april as a saboteur

then we'll believe in that incredible
unanimal mankind(and not until)

e.e. cummings

Due 9/17

Part 2 of Manifesto due.

Make sure you print a copy of the poetry syllabus, as that will be more reliable to follow than my posting.

Consider working on your prospectus assignments, if you really want to get off to a good start.

Due 9/15

Please read part 1 of the Manifesto. Additionally, read the sections on Imagery and Figures of Speech in your anthology. Make sure you have accessed the Poetry 1009-2010 syllabus, so you know page numbers and upcoming assignments.

Due 9/11

Frost Diagnostic

Read and think about the poem "Design" by Robert Frost. Then, time between 40-50 minutes during which you will write as much as you can analyzing the poem. The prompt you are using for your essay is:

Explain how Frost uses literary devices such as figurative language, imagery, and structure to convey the meaning of the poem, "Design."

You may type the essay if you wish, but DO NOT consult outside sources.

THIS IS A COMPLETION POINTS ASSIGNMENT!!! As long as you produce a reasonable product in 40 minutes, you will receive full credit.

Text of Poem:

Design


I found a dimpled spider, fat and white,
On a white heal-all*, holding up a moth
Like a white piece of rigid satin cloth --
Assorted characters of death and blight
Mixed ready to begin the morning right,
Like the ingredients of a witches' broth --
A snow-drop spider, a flower like a froth,
And dead wings carried like a paper kite.

What had that flower to do with being white,
The wayside blue and innocent heal-all?
What brought the kindred spider to that height,
Then steered the white moth thither in the night?
What but design of darkness to appall?--
If design govern in a thing so small.

* A type of flower that is typically blue, but in this case, white.