Assignment:
World Cultures
Discussion
Part 1: Discussion WWI Poetry and Harlem Renaissance Writers and Artists
Here is a link to the First World War Digital Poetry Archive, which features different WWI poets with their biographies and original works. Use this for information on your post. Please respond to both of the following questions below.
• While the idea of the soldier-poet may seem unlikely, the devastating effects of technological warfare during WWI produced memorable poetry. Pick one poem in our text or from the link above and describe the message the soldier-poet tries to convey, citing a few lines in your post. Chose a poem not selected by another classmate.
• Of the various authors, artists, and musicians who participated in the Harlem Renaissance, identify the person whose autograph you would most want, and explain the reasons why. Provide one (1) example that illustrates the reason you selected the person that you did. Do not select someone a classmate has already chosen.
Harlem Renaissance
• (pp. 1172-1180); review the Week 8 "Music Folder"
• Website and video at https://www.history.com/topics/harlem-renaissance
Part 2: Student Response:
Discussion
I chose Wilfred Owen. He was born on the 18th of March 1893. Between 1913 and 1915 Owen traveled to Bordeaux, France, and taught at the Berlitz School of English. He was tutoring in the Pyrenees when war was declared. He died on 4th of November 1918 at the age of 25 while leading an attack. The poem I chose that he wrote is called "Anthem For Doomed Youth"..it is a short poem so I will post the whole thing.
"What passing-bells for these who die as cattle? ---Only the monstrous anger of the guns.
Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle Can patter out their hasty orisons.
No mockeries now for them; no prayers nor bells;
Nor any voice of mourning save the choirs,
--- The shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells;
And bugles calling for them from sad shires.
What candles may be held to speed them all?
Not in the hands of boys but in their eyes Shall shine the holy glimmers of goodbyes.
The pallor of girls' brows shall be their pall; Their flowers the tenderness of patient minds, And each slow dusk a drawing-down of blinds."
I choose an artist from the Harlem Renaissance by the name of Augusta Savage, and I would like her autograph. Her sculptings are beautiful and peak in volumes. She was also a teacher.