Course Number: 2S ENG09

Course Title: Contemporary and Popular Literature

Module Number: 8

Name: Nikki T. Orito Year and Section:BEE-II

Exercise 2. Double Take

A. Looking Deeper Answer the following questions:

1. Consider how Gorman recites the following lines: Let the globe, if nothing else, say this
is true:
That even as we grieved, we grew
That even as we hurt, we hoped
That even as we tired, we tried
Give your observations on the sound pattern and rhythm used by Gorman.

Assonance, and repetition are sound patterns one could easily identify in the
excerpt. The strong emphasis of the disparity between elements that are otherwise in
juxtaposition with the other creates this contrast that coats it with grandiose.

2. Can you identify 1-2 additional places where Gorman appears to make a deliberate
choice in how she recites based on the techniques of poetry (end rhyme, alliteration,
assonance, etc.) that she has employed?
Gorman had used Assonance within these contexts: as we grieved, we grew and
as we tired, we tried. In repetition: That even as we grieved, we grew That even as we
hurt, we hoped, That even as we tired, we tried. Lastly end rhyme being in sentences
such as: That even as we hurt, we hoped That even as we tired, we tried.

3. What is the theme of Gorman’s poem?

The themes presented in the poem were that of hope, a hope that would
hopefully spark the torches that will light up the way as she hopes to instill optimism in
people who hear her that a better day is on its way and that better times are ahead.
Immortalizing the feeling of overcoming challenges despite the odds and despite
circumstances.