http://theoenophile.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] theoenophile.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] fandomhigh2006-04-11 07:53 pm

Creative Writing: Poetry (April 11, 2006)

"Good morning, class. I hope you all enjoyed the extra week. Let's talk about Belloc and Holmes, okay?"

"Hillaire Belloc (1870-1953) was a devout Roman Catholic famous for saying 'Europe is the faith, and the faith is Europe.' His strong beliefs are reflected in his writings. I deliberately chose some of his more humorous works, because I wanted to talk about intent. Belloc obviously intends to amuse here, but he also intends to educate on a grotesque level. Occasionally the morals are obscured -- Henry King dies of eating string, but with the lesson that food is the only thing to put in your body. This could be taken as a strongly anti-drug message. Note that Rebecca, who's only crime is slamming doors, is killed by the bust of Abraham, who nearly sacrificed his own child in the Bible."

"Holmes, on the other hand, uses strong imagery to uplift and uphold, rather than condemn. Old Ironsides famously saved the Civil War-era ship from the scrapyard. In Contentment, he extolls the joys of a simple life, showing his willingness to live the virtues he believes in. One can feel the yearning for nothing more than 3 meals, a home, and 50-score books. Every man has his place of excess, I suppose, and I can't argue with that one."

"Your assignment for this week is to write a poem using heavy imagery that either upholds a virtue or tears down a sin. You may emulate the styles of either writer, or you may branch out, but please write at least 10 lines."

"Also, don't forget that your final project is due April 25th. Either a Shakespearan sonnet or a sestina."

Re: Sign In

[identity profile] kikidelivers.livejournal.com 2006-04-12 11:59 am (UTC)(link)
Kiki signs in.
sensethevisions: (Default)

Re: Sign In

[personal profile] sensethevisions 2006-04-12 02:59 pm (UTC)(link)
Phoebe doesn't look good, but she does make it to class.

Re: Discuss the Poems

[identity profile] kikidelivers.livejournal.com 2006-04-12 08:38 pm (UTC)(link)
"Maybe it's because I was reading it directly after reading Belloc's humorous exaggerations," Kiki says, "But I got a different feeling from 'Contentment,' and thought he was actually treating the topic very facetiously. It's like he's saying, 'Oh, I don't need very much, just money, a house, some jewelry, lots of books, good food at every meal and those meals 3 times a day, and so on,' until he actually has generated quite a list of demands. He just gets around it by saying he's not asking for the finest of the fine, but I still question whether he has all of these things and really is actually content with them."

Re: Independent Study: Phoebe and Kiki

[identity profile] kikidelivers.livejournal.com 2006-04-12 12:06 pm (UTC)(link)
"I'm set," Kiki smiled, coughing a little, "What's the topic for today?"
sensethevisions: (Default)

Re: Independent Study: Phoebe and Kiki

[personal profile] sensethevisions 2006-04-12 02:59 pm (UTC)(link)
"I'm here," Phoebe said quietly.