15 Module 3 Assessments
Discussion Board
Directions: Discussion 3: The Poetry of the Present.
To prepare for this discussion, read D.H. Lawrence’s preface to his volume of poetry, New Poems in Module 3 Readings. This preface has been published elsewhere under the title “The Poetry of the Present.” In this essay, Lawrence distinguishes between two different types of poetry – the poetry of the beginning and the poetry of the end, and what he refers to as the poetry of the present.
In this discussion, briefly explain in your own words the characteristics of the poetry of the present according to Lawrence’s account. Next, after reading the poem “Coming Awake” (also inlcuded in Module 3 Readings), briefly explain what this poem reveals about the purpose of poetry in everyday life.
Submission: Reply to at least two other students, aiming to notice patterns, commonalities and interesting differences in our learning community. All posts should be written in complete sentences and are expected to meet the standards for college-level writing. Original posts should be at least five sentences in length; replies should be at least three sentences in length.
Grading: This discussion is worth 20 points toward your final grade and will be graded using the Discussion Rubric. Please use it as a guide toward successful completion of this discussion 1 .
Course Journal: Journal 3: Sing me a Song
Directions: Journal 3: Sing Me a Song.
In his book How to Read a Poem and Fall in Love with Poetry , Edward Hirsch explains that historically poetry evolved alongside of art forms such as dance and music. “Poetry and music are sister arts,” according Hirsch, and therefore, “The poem appeals to the ear.” Edna St. Vincent Millay’s poem, “The Ballad of the Harp Weaver”, draws upon a long established tradition of folk ballads which describe the sacrifices, suffering, and joy that parents, and mothers in particular, have experienced throughout time.
After reading the poem, compose a journal entry in which you relate its imagery and themes to a song of your own choosing. The song can belong to any genre or historical time period. In addition to examining lyrical and thematic similarities between the song and the poem, also consider the ways that musically the song either resembles or differs from tone of “The Ballad of the Harp Weaver”
Submission: To submit your entry, choose the link titled, Journal 3, above. Choose the “Create Journal Entry” button and complete your entry using the text editor box. Include hyperlinks to relevant texts, videos, or images. Also consider embedding images or videos in your entry to make it more interactive. Be sure to give your entry a title and complete your submission by choosing the “Submit” button at the bottom of the screen.
Grading: This assignment is worth 10 points and will be graded using the Journal Rubric. Please use it as a guide toward successful completion of this assignment 1 .
Essay 3: Imagist Poetry: A Comparative Analysis
Directions: As suggested in the learning object for this module, Imagist poets wrote in a minimalistic, often stark, manner that attempted to express very complex ideas, emotions, and experiences in the form poems that fixated on the presentation of single, seemingly mundane image. In this essay, you will explore two imagist poems – “Oread” (pronounced Oh-ree-ad) by H.D. and “Blizzard” by William Carlos Williams. H.D.’s poem takes its name from a figure in Greek mythology by the same name – an Oread is mountain nymph or what might be considered a kind of fairy. In contrast to the mythical, otherwordly quality of “Oread”, Wiliams’ poem contains a kind of stark realism. Both poems are included in the Module 3 Readings.
In this essay, you will offer a comparative analysis of the two poems. After considering each poem’s theme, as well as its use of figurative language and poetic form, explain whether you think that both of these poems should be considered part of the same literary movement.
- What do these poems share in common?
- How do they differ?
- What larger concept, problem, or issue are these poems attempting to address metaphorically?
Submission: Post the assignment using the Essay 3: Imagist Poetry: A Comparative Analysis link above. Use the “Browse My Computer” button in the Attach File area to attach your document. Be sure to complete your submission by choosing the “Submit” button at the bottom of the screen.
Grading: This assignment is worth 80 points and will be graded using the Essay rubric. Please use it as a guide to successful completion of this assignment 1 .
