Performance Task 1

Activity 1 Verse of the Day

The first line, “We are entitled to our own definition of the worlds.”
sets up the overall theme of the poem, which is the power of words. After
the line, the poem then cites simple pairings of words that represent a
concept and ties them to an action. This speaks about the malleability of
words and how we can use, manipulate and bring them together in order to
form concepts. Next, the poem goes into the main point which is how
power can be found in words through new combinations forming new
contexts, stronger effects and deeper expressions. “The spells and
spellings of our vocabularies are oracular.” This line uses a clever word
play on “spellings” in order to compare words to magic “spells”. Words are
described as oracular in nature, carrying with it a level of power that starts
ideas, induces change, moves people and in a way, ultimately controls the
fate of mankind. And because of the power words hold, there is a huge
responsibility behind them.
Another main theme of the poem that adds to its relevance, as also
evidenced by the feminist writer, is feminism. She calls out to all the women
who make up half the world to bring their words together, inspiring them to
use their power. “CAN move their earth, MUST house their fire, BE water to
their song, WILL their dreams.” Each line delves deep into feelings of hope,
power and passion, going beyond literal meanings.
All in all, the idea of the power of words circles back in as Marjorie
Evasco casts her spell on all of the women and struggling people in the
world to rise up, just as she and many other significant figures did.