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Nicely Done Narration



Hi guys!

This week we took a look at Night in Sine and To New York, by Senghor. The theme that is most emphasized would be the style and technique that the story is written in. Senghor takes advantage of the narration and tells a flawless story with it. He directly addresses the subject of the story and paints a vivid picture throughout the story. This allows the readers to quickly analyze the story without having to overcomplicate the research. The emotion in each piece can be felt by the reader as they read further into the personification of the subjects.

To New York

New York! At first I was bewildered by your beauty,

Those huge, long-legged, golden girls.

So shy, at first, before your blue metallic eyes and icy smile,

So shy. And full of despair at the end of skyscraper streets.

(Photo from @Thereallilycooper via Instagram)
 
 
Here, you can see how Senghor addresses the subject of his poem (New York) and uses it to draw the reader near and have them feel the emotion that is being emitted.
 
Night in Sine
 
Now the stars appear and the Night dreams
Learning on that hill of clouds, dressed in its long, milky pagne.
The roofs of the huts shine tenderly. What are they saying
So secretly to the stars? Inside, the fire dies out
In the closeness of sour and sweet smells.
 
(Photo from @Brandonwoelfel via Instagram)
 
Here is another example of Senghor personifying the subject and drawing the reader to the text.
What does this achieve?
-        Creates a personal connection to the reader
-        Contributes to the poem’s ambiguity
-        Allows the reader to get a 360-degree view of the poem and all it has to offer.  
These stories are perfect examples on what would be perfect to teach students and show them how this type of narrative gives an advantage to the author and the reader. The personification of the subject and focus on it, allows the reader to read more fully into the poem and be able to analyze without being lost. One option of teaching them is to have them write a poem like Senghor, and have them focus on a certain subject. They can personify a chair within a poem, or nature, drinks, etc. Nothing is limited to the imagination.
An example would look like:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

After they are finished with their poem, have the students exchange it with a partner and analyze the other’s poems. How are they similar to Senghor’s poem, what makes them different? What is the subject of the poem? How does the use of this literary device help project the poem to the reader? Have then answer these questions as they analyze then go over it with the class and share. The project allows the students to work together, alone, and as a full group in discussion.
 
Many popular poems focus on just one subject and that simple subject alone. Dive into the book Milk and Honey, and have the students look into the poetry within its pages. Discuss which one’s match Senghor’s style, and what one’s don’t and why. This allows you to lead into the discussion of analyzing poems and looking out for certain literary devices and how that helps the poem.
 
Examples:
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Questions to be asked to the students:
 
-        Is this similar to Senghor’s poetry style? If yes, how? If not, how could it be changed to be?
-        What is the poem trying to convey?
-        Who do you think he is?
-        What does the picture signify?
-       What is the difference between the head and the heart?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Questions to be asked to the students:
-        Is this similar to Senghor’s poetry style? If yes, how? If not, how could it be changed to be?
-        What is the poem trying to convey?
-        What does the picture signify?
-        Who is them?
-        What is the subject?
-        What kind of story is the poem telling?
With the poetry in Milk and Honey so short and intriguing, the students should have fun analyzing and reading the works of Rupi Kaur. As an added bonus, challenge the students to combine the styles of the Kaur and Senghor and write their own poem, and accompanying picture.
That’s all for today guys! See you later!
Lily
 

 

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