Read the poems "We Real Cool" and "My Papa's Waltz"
- What is the theme of the poem? How do you know this is the theme?
- What poetic devices (e.g., rhythm, figurative language, etc.) are used in the poem? Offer at least two examples.
- How do these poetic devices contribute to the development of the poem's message?
- Support your ideas with textual details and analyses.
Listen to both of the same poems
- How did hearing the poem recited aloud compare to a silent reading of it?
- Did the performance highlight certain words or phrases that were not as apparent in a silent reading?
- Did the pace change and, if so, how did it change your understanding of the poem?
- Did words have different connotations and, if so, what kind(s) of connotation did you associate with the poem?
- Do you think reading poetry aloud is a worthwhile endeavor when analyzing it? Why, or why not?