How to Read a Poem

How to Read a Poem, Terry Eagleton's latest book was an excellent read, a good blend of introductory considerations of poetic form that absorbs a lot of critical theory. This is a good book for teachers and students of literature. Not exactly for novices, but anyone who loves poetry or thinks they love poetry should benefit from his approach. Eagleton demonstrates not just a command of theory but a real talent for close reading as well.

Declaration of Independence

Two page handout of the Declaration of Independence: decl-indep.pdf. Radical pedagogical activity: compare colonial grievances against King George III to contemporary grievances against our King George W. "The Decider". Is a new declaration of independence warranted?

24 poems by Randall Jarrell

Those interested in reading more of Randall Jarrell's work besides his often anthologized poem "Death of the Ball Turret Gunner", can check out this file: randall_jarrell_2004_9.pdf

Notes on haiku

Here's a six page handout that offers a quick introduction to haiku form with many sample poems, including some by Jack Keruoac: haiku-notes.pdf.