Class #6: Wednesday, September 23, 2015

1. MIZPAH /finish writing keys  (20) 1A. Conversation about themes and clarifying Ausubel stories 2. Aloud edit of narratives/literary analysis (30) 3. Johnson poem group assignment review & prep time (20) 4. A. NPR piece (15)

ASSIGNMENTS: 

DO:  WE ARE NOT DOING THIS!!!!
FAMILY ASSIGNMENT:

Each family will create a short presentation that answers the following questions:


A. Explain the idea of metaphor. How does the poem take unique look at the idea of "metaphor?" What is the main metaphor of the poem? What is its significance?

B. Discuss the literal use of the word water. In other words, how does "water" in its literal form, add to the theme of the poem? Provide specific examples.

C.   Discuss the abstract use of water. In other words, how does "water" as an idea or abstraction add to the theme of the poem? Provide specific examples.

D. What is a motif? Is there a motif in this poem? If so, what is it? How do you know? Why is it important? Provide specific examples.

E. What is a simile? How is it different than a metaphor? Are there similes in the poem? What are some? How do they contribute to theme? Provide specific examples.

F> Discuss the poet's use of punctuation, line breaks and formatting. What is the point? Why? Give at least one specific example.

You will have the first ten minutes of class Monday to make your mini-presentation. They will be approx. two to three minutes. Be ready for questions. Every member of the family should contribute. The only rubric is that you completely answer the question. Extra credit to any family who engages the author @lukejohnsonpoet (use our common hash tag).

READ: 
This excellent piece from the University of Michigan (wow...holy theme) writing department on expanding analysis of literature (or other text). Apply this to either IW #1 or IW#2 and resubmit a new paper (along with today's oral edits). Questions about the reading. Hit me with them Monday!

WRITE: 
1. Revisions of Narrative & Formal Writing #3 (with expansion as well as oral edits) Should be minimum of two full, typed pages.

WRITE: Watch this video from Cage the Elephant. See how the video's director (Issac Rentz) uses visual language to communicate theme. In many ways, "visual rhetoric" works the same as "compositional rhetoric." Discuss how in Informal Writing #3. First, begin by analyzing the theme or central idea of the piece. How is this communicated in both broad and subtle ways? How, specifically, is metaphor used? How do the visuals work with the song itself (lyrics available online).