Lesson 1 - Poetry

Unit 1:  Theory

LESSON 1:  POETRY  (1 DAY)

"Poetry is a way of taking life by the throat." - Robert Frost

INTRODUCTION

Poetry, like most other literature, explores what others think of life and the many facets that it involves. Poetry is much like other literature studied, in that it does attempt to illuminate some perception, some emotion, that the author has. It may or may not be unique, and you may or may not agree with what an author expounds, but it should always be interesting to read, if nothing else. The way an author chooses to express ideas is often the focus of the poem.

And even though many students often complain that they hate poetry, you need to have at least a taste of what there is out there, so that you might gain an appreciation of this literary form.

RESOURCES

poetry NOTES
"Ex-Basketball Player"
Glossary of Literary Terms
Figures of Speech

Unit 1:  Theory

LESSON

Please read the following on The Theory of Poetry.  You do not need to take notes on this section.

Theory of Poetry

Read and study notes on POETRY.

Before continuing . . .

What do you know about basketball - the skills needed to play?
What kind of physical characteristics do most professional basketball players have?
What do you like or dislike about the game?
Consider how the lives of athletes change once they retire from competitive sports.

Read "The Ex-Basketball Player", by John Updike

 Unit 1:  Theory

LESSON 1:  POETRY 

ASSIGNMENT 

If you have any questions, be sure to email your teacher.please submit it under Unit One Lesson One.

Be sure to include enough detail to answer all parts of the questions, and to support your answers. 

1. Explain the "untold" story of the poem.
    a) Why is Flick working in a garage if he was so good at playing basketball?
    b) How does Flick fit into his present job?
    c) does Flick live in the present? Explain.

2. What is the theme of this poem? Remember to state theme as a "general truth about life."

3. Quote one example of each of the following from the poem and explain how the example fits the definition of the term: 
    simile - 
    metaphor - 
    personification - 
    imagery - 
    symbol - 
    alliteration -

CONCLUSION 

You have reviewed various concepts and terms relating to poetry and have been introduced to new ones. Store this information in a binder for quick reference as you work through this course.