Is a Word Dead When It is Said?
A WebQuest for 8th Grade Language Arts
Designed by
Tina Maples
tmaples@chccs.k12.nc.us
 

Introduction | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Teacher Page


Introduction: Who writes poetry and why?

Poetry is often regarded as one of the most poignant forms of writing. Many readers of poetry agree with Lawrence Perrine's assessment that poetry says "more and says it more intensely" than regular language (prose). But what is poetry and who are these people that write "intensely"? What do they write about and why? More importantly, do you have the stuff of poetry in you?

In this webquest, you and your teammates will read background information together before setting out on individual expeditions. Once the individuals have completed their expeditions, the team will reconvene to compile a book to be used as a classroom reference for answering the questions: Who writes poetry and why? Is the written word a living, breathing thing, or is it dead? 

A word is dead
When it is said,
Some say.
I say it just
Begins to live
That day.
 
--Emily Dickinson
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The Process

There are three phases to this WebQuest:

  • Phase 1 - Background Reading: Something for Everyone
  • Phase 2 - Individual Expeditions: Delving Deeper
  • Phase 3 - Teamwork: Getting the Job Done

Because these are real articles written for people all over the world, the reading level might challenge you. Feel free to use the online dictionary to help you.

Phase 1: Background Reading

Before you head out on your individual expeditions, everyone on the team should check out the following sites to get a better understanding of poetry and the people who write it. You may find it helpful to refer back to these sites while you are out on your expedition.

Phase 2: Individual Expeditions

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. You are now equipped to set out on individual expeditions. As a group, decide who will go on which expedition.
  2. Read all of the instructions for your expedition before following them.
    • Each student will work on his/her own computer.
    • If you print out files, underline the passages you feel are the most important. If you look at the files on computer, copy sections you feel are important by dragging the mouse across the passage and pasting it into a word processing document.
    • Remember to copy or paste the URL onto pages you print or notes you take so that you can go back to it quickly to prove a point or answer a question.
  3. Be prepared to share your findings with your teammates.

Expedition #1 - Langston Hughes: Renaissance Man

Although he is best known for his poetry, Langston Hughes was truly a renaissance man. His is well known for his accomplishments as a journalist, essayist, short story writer, and dramatist. He is also regarded as the poet laureate of the Harlem Renaissance, a period of explosive creativity among African-Americans. Hughes' poetry is often associated with the themes, rhythms, and lyricism of jazz music.

  1. Life and Contributions
    • New Book of Knowledge - Search for "Langston Hughes". This article offers general biographical information.
    • Grolier's - Search for "Langston Hughes" and the "Harlem Renaissance". These articles offer a bit more depth.
    • Grolier's - Search for "African-American literature". This article offers an introduction to an important body of American literature.
  2. Poetry -
    • The American Academy of Poets - Click on "Find a Poet," then search for Hughes. This site offers a wonderful reflection on Hughes' literary contributions and influences. Read all eleven poems and the biography, especially the parts about Hughes' influences.
    • "The Poetry of Langston Hughes" - "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" is one of Hughes' most famous and powerful poems. Activity #4 teaches about the rivers mentioned in the poem, interpret the poem.
  3. The Quest - Use the Reflection Log to reflect on Langston Hughes' poetry and influences:
  1. Reflect - What does he write about most often? What questions is he asking? How does he answer those questions? What is different or interesting about his writing? Record your reflections, then prepare them for presentation to your team.
  2. Select - Select three poems written by Langston Hughes. You should paste them into a word processing document or copy them by hand. These poems will be shared with your teammates and will be part of the book that you and your team will compile for the classroom library.
    • These poems should be poems that reflect your answers to the questions above and should help answer the questions:
      • Who writes poetry and why?
      • Is the written word a living, breathing thing, or is it dead? 
  3. Extend - If time permits, write an original poem of your own in which you either imitate Hughes' style or explore a topic/theme common to his work. There are many helpful websites listed in the Background Reading of this WebQuest.

Expedition #2 - Emily Dickinson: The Individual

Emily Dickinson is one of the strongest individuals in literature. She spent most of her life tucked away from the world, yet her poetry expresses the human spirit more eloquently than most.

  1. Life and Contributions
    • Virtual Emily - This is a memorable site that offers a pictorial and written history of Emily Dickinson's life and times.
    • Grolier's - The first paragraph will grab your interest and pull you into its discussion of Dickinson's influences and personality. Be sure to click on the links for Walt Whitman and Ralph Waldo Emerson!
    • Grolier's - Search for "Trancendentalism". This article offers an overview of an influential body of American literature. The reading level is challenging, so you may need to use the online dictionary.
  2. Poetry
    • The Complete Poems - Check out the table of contents at the bottom of the page. Read at least ten of Dickinson's poems, at least one from each of the five sections. This site also offers a picture, short biography, and a searchable database of poems.
    • Poets' Corner - Another wonderful resource for Dickinson's poems! This site offers a listing of first lines. Click on a few that catch your eye!
  3. The Quest - Use the Reflection Log to reflect on Emily Dickinson's poetry and influences:
  1. Reflect - What does she write about most often? What questions is she asking? How does she answer those questions? What is different or interesting about her writing? Record your reflections, then prepare them for presentation to your team.
  2. Select - Select three poems written by Emily Dickinson. You should paste them into a word processing document or copy them by hand. These poems will be shared with your teammates and will be part of the book that you and your team will compile for the classroom library.
    • These poems should be poems that reflect your answers to the questions above and should help answer the questions:
      • Who writes poetry and why?
      • Is the written word a living, breathing thing, or is it dead? 
  3. Extend - If time permits, write an original poem of your own in which you either imitate Dickinson's style or explore a topic/theme common to her work. There are many helpful websites listed in the Background Reading of this WebQuest.

Expedition #3 - Robert Frost: The New Englander

Robert Frost is known for setting his poems in the serene countryside of New England. His poems often contain subtle reflections on the nature of life and living.

  1. Life and Contributions
    • Grolier's - Grolier's article offers a photograph and an (at times humorous) overview of Frost's life. There is also a good explanation of Frost's significance as a major American poet.
  2. Poetry
    • The American Academy of Poets - Click on "Find a Poet," then search for Frost. This site offers a wonderful reflection on Frost's literary contributions and influences. Read all six poems and the biography, especially the parts about Frost's influences.
    • Bartleby.com - "These collections of poems provide a wonderful selection of the work of Robert Frost. His poems are concerned with human tragedies and fears, his reaction to the complexities of life, and his ultimate acceptance of his burdens." Read at least ten of Frost's poems, at least one from each collection.
  3. The Quest - Use the Reflection Log to reflect on Robert Frost's poetry and influences:
  1. Reflect - What does Frost write about most often? What questions is he asking? How does he answer those questions? What is different or interesting about his writing? Record your reflections, then prepare them for presentation to your team.
  2. Select - Select three poems written by Robert Frost. You should paste them into a word processing document or copy them by hand. These poems will be shared with your teammates and will be part of the book that you and your team will compile for the classroom library.
    • These poems should be poems that reflect your answers to the questions above and should help answer the questions:
      • Who writes poetry and why?
      • Is the written word a living, breathing thing, or is it dead? 
  3. Extend - If time permits, write an original poem of your own in which you either imitate Frost's style or explore a topic/theme common to his work. There are many helpful websites listed in the Background Reading of this WebQuest.

Expedition #4 - Maya Angelou: Phenomenal Woman

Maya Angelou is best known for the strong sense of self that eminates from her work. Her writing is often esteemed for its honesty and its ability to inspire.

  1. Life and Contributions
    • Grolier's - Grolier's offers a brief photograph of a young Angelou and a brief introduction to her life. Be sure to click on the link to I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings; you'll be sorry if you miss reading about this amazing book!
    • Grolier's - Search for "African-American literature". This article offers an introduction to an important body of American literature.
  2. Poetry
    • The American Academy of Poets - Click on "Find a Poet," then search for Angelou. This site offers a picture and a reflection on Angelou's literary contributions and influences. Read both poems and the biography, especially the parts about Angelou's accomplishments. There are additional links at the bottom of the page.
    • University of Cincinnati - Offers links to Angelou's biography, poetry (including some audio files!), and literary criticisms of her work. Read at least ten of her poems. Be sure to check out"On the Pulse of Morning"; this poem was written for and delivered at President Clinton's 1993 inauguration ceremony.
  3. The Quest - Use the Reflection Log to reflect on Maya Angelou's poetry and influences:
  1. Reflect - What does Angelou write about most often? What questions is she asking? How does she answer those questions? What is different or interesting about her writing? Record your reflections, then prepare them for presentation to your team.
  2. Select - Select three poems written by Maya Angelou. You should paste them into a word processing document or copy them by hand. These poems will be shared with your teammates and will be part of the book that you and your team will compile for the classroom library.
    • These poems should be poems that reflect your answers to the questions above and should help answer the questions:
      • Who writes poetry and why?
      • Is the written word a living, breathing thing, or is it dead? 
  3. Extend -If time permits, write an original poem of your own in which you either imitate Angelou's style or explore a topic/theme common to her work. There are many helpful websites listed in the Background Reading of this WebQuest.

Phase 3: Teamwork

As a group, organize your work into a "book" containing all of the following:

  • a cover (including a title for the collection, your names, the date, and your class period)
  • a table of contents (including the poets' names, reflection logs, selected poems. Be sure to include your name with the work that you did)
  • all reflections logs and selected poems

 

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Evaluation

Team Evaluation: The book

  • Cover (5 points)
  • Table of Contents (5 points)
  • Overall content, organization, and neatness (5 points)

Individual Evaluation: Expedition & Participation

  • Reflection Log (15 points)
  • Selected poems (10 points)
  • Participation (10 points)
 

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Conclusion

Robert Frost described poetry as a "way of taking life by the throat." In this webquest, you have studied four very unique poets reknowned for their individual style and ability to put perceptions into words. These poets write/wrote about their lives, interests, occupations, thoughts, spirituality, and observations. Their words continue to live and touch readers because their words honestly express the world as they see it. In answer to the question " Who writes poetry and why?" we should answer "Everyone, because we are alive."

 
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Credits & References

Rhonda Faircloth-Kaye, McDougle Middle School Technology Specialist

Carolyn White, McDougle Middle School Media Specialist

"Poets Who Didn't Know It" Webquest

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Created during WIRED, Summer 2001
Chapel Hill - Carrboro City Schools, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

Based on a template from The WebQuest Page