Defining our culture

(Wednesday) Following up on our discussion about the two Inaugural poems today, please watch Richard Blanco's reading of his poem and listen to Frost's (while you are listening to Frost, make sure that you are looking at the photograph of him attached below delivering the speech). In your blue books, compare and contrast the two poems in an effort to understand how they reflect the American culture of their time. Look for similarities in the poems, differences, look at the poets themselves , think about our class discussion and write at least a page and a half comparing the two and drawing some conclusions.

(Tuesday) Tonight, read “One Today.” Circle words you do not know and look them up. Underline images that particularly stick out to you. In your journals, write at least one full page (one side = one page) of connections between the poem and the American ideals we saw reflected in the Rockwell painting, in your discussions about the guiding questions and about Thurgood Marshall, etc.