FUNERAL BLUES- W.H. AUDEN

Introduction

Introduction

The attached video is an introduction to the topic that will be covered.

https://youtu.be/w-5ZFWr0dFc

 

Task

Task

The following poem should be analyzed. Thereafter, a literary essay should be written about the poem.

  • POEM: FUNERAL BLUES – W.H. AUDEN
  • ESSAY TOPIC:  “Funeral Blues” is a powerful exploration of the devastating effects of grief and loss.  By carefully examining diction, imagery and tone of the poem, evaluate the validity of the above statement.  Your response should take the form of a well-structured essay of 250-300 words. 

The following resources should aid you in understanding the poem.

  1.  https://centenarysecondary.co.za/pluginAppObj/pluginAppObj_53_83/Funeral-Blues.pdf
  2. http://www.vaniercollege.qc.ca/tlc/files/2016/08/Ten-Tips-for-Analyzing-Poetry.pdf
  3. https://bc6f.org.uk/attachments/article/111/PEEL%20Your%20Essays%20to%20Answer%20the%20Question%20Well.pdf
Process

The following steps and resources should assist you in the completion of your task.

 

Step 1: Analyzing the poem

(Refer to resource number 1)

  • Number the lines of the poem.
  • Read the poem at least two times.
  •  Look at the title, write down what you think the poem will be abut and what you think it relates to.
  • Analyze the poem line-by-line.
  • Identify the figures of speech, mood, tone, themes, imagery, symbolism, and poetic devices.

Step 2:  Mind-map for poetry

(Refer to resource number 2)

  • Create a mind-map or flowchart.
  • The main points such as the message, tone, structure, imagery, symbolism, themes should be included in the mind-map or flowchart.
  • Use the provided notes (can be found in the task section) in preparation for your essay.

 Step 3: PEEL method

(Refer to resource number 3)

  • POINT. Begin your paragraph by stating your point.
  • EXPLANATION. Give evidence to substantiate your point.
  • EXAMPLE or EVIDENCE. Explaining in more detail about how and why your evidence supports your point.
  • LINK. Provide a smooth link to your next paragraph and/or point.

Step 4: Literary/Poetry Essay

(Refer to resource number 4)

  • Look at what is required of you in the task instruction.
  • Plan what you are going to say in each paragraph using the notes provided and the notes in your mind-map.
  • Make use of the PEEL method.
  • The essay should have an introduction, body and conclusion.

 

Resources:

1. Watch the following video on how to do a poem analysis:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99I7m01k4ko

 

2. Watch the following video before starting with your mind-map :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNLN0Ws8pJs

 

3. The following video explains the PEEL method:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUjvw-dq9Ls

 

4. The following video will assist you in writing a literary essay:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Umwvm7V-QhQ

 

Evaluation
Conclusion

At the end of the lesson the learners will be able to:

  •  Know how to analyze a poem.
  • Know how to make use of a mind-map as part of their planning.
  • Use information, distinguish between facts, and use it in their work.
  • Draft a literary essay.

 

 

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