Richard Wright Poems

WRITE LIKE THE AUTHOR …

DUE: Friday, March 1

DIRECTIONS

DEFINE THE FOLLOWING

v Articles __________________________________________________

v Nouns ___________________________________________________

v Adjectives ________________________________________________

v Verbs____________________________________________________

v Adverbs__________________________________________________

v Prepositional Phrases_______________________________________

THEN CREATE YOUR OWN POEM, LIKE THE AUTHOR

1. Find your own example from the text that seems to follow a certain poetic pattern or rhythm.
2. Copy this example down. Be sure and label where you got it from in the book (include the chapter and page number).
3. Above the words of the poem, list the parts of speech above each word of the poem, so that you will have the word formula in front of you.
4. Write the formula.
5. From this same formula, write your own example, following the same format as your selection.
6. Your poem should reflect SOMETHING ABOUT WHO YOU ARE
7. When you come to class, prepare to share your poem in a small group.

Remember the samples we practiced in class. Consider these questions as you write your own example. Try and stick to one topic.

v What do you note about these passages?

v What purpose do you think they serve?

v What does each sentence present?

v What parts of speech are used?

v Do you see alliteration?

v What do you note about the last sentence in each passage?

v Whether used for transition or standing alone as poems, these passages present powerful images that string together Wright’s strongest memories at different periods of his life. Using these passages as a model, write a similar passage. Step into Wright’s shoes and write like he does.

POINTS POSSIBLE: 60 points (10 for presenting, 50 for the work on your poem)