English 3LEADING UP TO MEMOIR WRITING

What’s a memoir? Where are we going with this?

“Death from Below” and “Forest Whitaker”Poetry reading and discussion – focusing

questionsTwo-column list: likes/insecuritiesWriting time and sharing…poem due

tomorrow.

“Death from Below” and “Forest Whitaker”

As you read/listen to each of the two poems, take notes on:

What physical characteristics does the song discuss?

Is it positive and/or empowering? Explain why or why not

Literary terms related to today’s pieces:Hyperbole: A deliberate overstatement or

exaggeration which is not intended to be taken literally. Hyperbole, or hyperbolic statements, are used for emphasis or effect.

Ode poem: A poem addressing and celebrating a particular subject; especially uplifting a subject typically seen as mundane or ordinary, and elevating it to something worthy of praise.

Two-column chart: 5 minutes!

On a separate sheet of paper, create a 2-column list through which you will think about your physical characteristics.

1. What do you really like about yourself, physically?2. What things are you insecure about and/or people criticize you for?

Writing time!

Using the lists you made today, write an ode about a chosen characteristic using the following prompt: “I love my ___________.”

In the piece, think about what people say negatively about your chosen characteristic and find ways to create new meanings for yourself. Try using hyperbole!