Monday, October 5, 2009

Writing versus Speaking

Explore either or both of the following: a) What is more important: writing well or speaking well? b) Why are some people better at one versus the other?

The Future Speaks to the Present

“By the Waters of Babylon” is a story set in the future. As with many stories with a similar setting, the author is commenting on or warning the present. Find and explore an example of this.

Historical Significance of the Written Word

Find and explore a significant moment in history that was affected, directly or indirectly, by the written word.

Blake and Poe

Read the short poem below titled “Poison Tree” by William Blake. Connect it to Poe and revenge – specifically, the consequences of holding pain, anger, or shame inside.

I was angry with my friend:
I told my wrath, my wrath did end.
I was angry with my foe;
I told it not, my wrath did grow.
And I water'd it in fears,
Night & morning with my tears;
And I sunned it with my smiles
And with soft deceitful wiles.

And it grew both day and night,
Till it bore an apple bright;
And my foe beheld it shine,
And he knew that it was mine,

And into my garden stole
When the night had veil'd the pole:
In the morning glad I see
My foe outstretch'd beneath the tree