Week #1 Assignments

Read "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost (p. 542) and "On My First Son" by Ben Johnson (p. 9). ( YOU CAN FIND IT ONLINE)

Respond to each question for both poems. Complete assignment in a Word document. Assignment is worth 50 points

1. How does the title affect your reading of and response to the poem? Think: what does the title mean in the context of the poem?

2. What is the poem about (subject)?

3. What words stand out to you and make the poem interesting to you?

4. Who is the speaker?

5. What emotions does the poem evoke in you?

Respond to Discussion #1 see below use as many or as few words as necessary to agree, disagree, or improve on Wiesel's words. Keep in mind the conscious word choices Wiesel made.

Please respond to the following quote by Elie Wiesel: "We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere. When human lives are endangered, when human dignity is in jeopardy, national borders and sensitivities are irrelevant. Wherever men or women are persecuted because of their race, religion, or political views, that place must - at that moment - become the center of the universe."

Tracy K. Smith was recently named poet laureate of the United States. The poet laureate is appointed by the librarian of Congress and fills the role for one year. Past notable laureates include Billy Collins, Robert Frost, Rita Dove, and Robert Pinsky.

Why does the United States designate a poet laureate? What impact does this post have on the citizens? What does it mean to the country and to the arts?