TEACHING OF POETRY IN ESL

TOPIC 6 DED3043 TEACHING OF LITERATURE IN ESL

INTRODUCTION
Students in ESL classroom initially find poetry difficult compared to short story, novel or drama. Problem is due to: More literary device in poems. Students lack background knowledge on the text. Limited linguistic ability.

Stages in analysing poems

Three ways to look at poems: a) Paraphrasing meaning. b) Linguistic features. c) Personal reaction

a) Paraphrasing meaning

What is poem all about. Look at : Events mentioned in poem. Settings of the poem. Emotions shared by the poet.

 b) Linguistic features Systematic description of language used in the poem. Rhyme, alliteration, assonance, etc. Poem should be read aloud before analysing linguistic features.

c) Personal reaction Students are asked to share personal account. Also give reasons to support personal views.

Process of analysing poem

Look at title.
Read for major indicators of meanings setting, topic, voice, etc Read ending of poem- where it gets to. Divide poem into parts understand organization. Pay attention to tone- attitude towards subject. Look at other literary devices how everything is used to create meaning.

Elements of analysis
1. Who is speaking in the poem? Voice attitude, how involved is the poet, point-of-view of poet. 2. What is the argument, thesis or subject of the poem? 3. What is the structure of the poem? Stanzas , paragraphs, etc

4. How does the poem make use of setting? Setting used for specific purposes- symbolic. When and where the event is taking place. 5. How does the poem use imagery? 6. Are there statements or conflicts in the poem which is important for the meaning? 7. Examine use of language. Words and sentences. Puns, double meaning?

CRADLE SONG- William Blake

Dreaming in the joys of As thy softest limbs I feel Smiles as of the morning night; steal O'er thy cheek, and o'er thy Sleep, sleep; in thy breast sleep Where thy little heart doth Little sorrows sit and rest. weep. O the cunning wiles that Sweet babe, in thy face Soft desires I can trace, Secret joys and secret smiles, Little pretty infant wiles.

creep In thy little heart asleep! When thy little heart doth wake, Then the dreadful night shall break.

THANK YOU