Unit 6 How to Write a Rotten Poem with Almost No Effort综合教程三（课堂PPT）

1、12Watch the video clip and answer the following questions. Why should students of all majors study poetry?2. Are the students expressions changing when they are listening to Mr. Keatings words?Audiovisual SupplementCultural InformationBecause poetry has universal value. It stands for human passion a

2、nd love and these are what we are living for.Yes, they are all inspired by Mr. Keatings speech about the meaning of poetry. 3Audiovisual SupplementCultural Information4Mr. Keating: Keep ripping gentlemen. This is a battle, a war. And the casualties could be your hearts and souls. Thank you Mr. Dalto

3、n. Armies of academics going forward, measuring poetry. No, we will not have that here. No more of Mr. J. Evans Pritchard. Now in my class you will learn to think for yourselves again. You will learn to savor words and language. No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.

4、 I see that look in Mr. Pitts eye, like nineteenth century literature has nothing to do with going to business school or medical school. Right? Maybe. Mr. Hopkins, you may agree with him, thinking “Yes, we should simply study our Mr. Pritchard and learn our rhyme and meter and go quietly about theAu

5、diovisual SupplementCultural InformationFrom Dead Poets Society5business of achieving other ambitions.” I have a little secret for you. Huddle up. Huddle up! We dont read and write poetry because its cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is fille

6、d with passion. Medicine, law, business, engineering, these are all noble pursuits, and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for. To quote from Whitman: “O me, o life of the questions of these recurring, of the endless trains of the faithless, of

7、 cities filled with the foolish. What good amid these, o me, o life?” Answer: that you are here. That life exists, and identity. That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse. ThatAudiovisual SupplementCultural Information6Audiovisual SupplementCultural Informationthe powerful play

8、goes on and you may contribute a verse. 71. History of Poetry Some of the earliest poetry is believed to have been orally recited or sung, closely related to musical traditions, and much of it can be attributed to religious movements: rhythm, rhyme, compression, intensity of feeling, the use of refr

9、ains. Following the development of writing, poetry has since developed into increasingly structured forms. Written composition meant poets began to compose for an absent reader.Audiovisual SupplementCultural Background8 Much poetry since the late 20th century has moved away from traditional forms to

10、wards the more vaguely defined free verse and prose poem formats.Audiovisual SupplementCultural Background92. Classification Three major genres: Epic poetry: a long story about brave actions and exciting events; Lyric poetry: more personal, shorter poems intended to be sung; Dramatic poetry: comedy

11、and tragedy as subgenres.Audiovisual SupplementCultural Background10Structural AnalysisText Analysis Modern life is more about material and tangible goods than about spirit pursuit. We set clear targets for our future, neglecting that we are gradually losing one joy that human kind usually have: the

12、 fun of spontaneity. The writer of this essay reminds us that poetry, especially creating poems, can provide us such pleasure. Though the writer of this essay writes in a half-mocking tone, and the method he introduces will not ensure us to create a wonderful, or even presentable poem, his real purp

13、ose is to make the creation of a poem less difficult than we may imagine and to induce amateurs to set their first steps on their journey to a more aesthetic life.Rhetorical Features11Structural AnalysisText AnalysisParagraphsMain idea1-34-9 10-12The first part introduces the problem with poetry and

14、 the significance of the writers solution.The second part introduces in detail how people can create a poem of their own.The third part serves as the ending of the essay. In this part, the writer reiterates his intention and makes it clear he is just joking by presenting such a method of creating a

15、poem.1. In terms of organization, the article clearly falls into three main parts:Rhetorical Features12Structural AnalysisText Analysis2. The mocking tone of the author is mingled with some fairly emotional statements which reveal his real love of poetry, e.g.“Once a person has written a poem, of wh

16、atever quality, he will feel comradeship with fellow poets and, hopefully, read their works. Ideally, there would evolve a veritable society of poet-citizens, which would elevate the quality of life worldwide. Not only that, good poets could make a living for a change.” (Paragraph 3)“But at least it

17、s a poem and youve written it, which is an accomplishment that relatively few people can claim.” (Paragraph 10)Rhetorical Features13Structural AnalysisText Analysis“Chances are, youll find their offerings stimulating and refreshing. You might even try writing some more of your own poems, now that yo

18、uve broken the ice. Observe others emotions and experience your own thats what poetry is all about. (Paragraph 11)Rhetorical Features14Structural AnalysisText AnalysisRhetorical Features Apparently simple but lucid English, sometimes even a colloquial speech style, creating the effect of a heart-to-

19、heart talk between the writer and the reader, e.g.“The last line of your poem should deal with the future in some way.” (Paragraph 8) “Now that poem (like yours, when youre finished) is rotten.” (Paragraph 10) 15Detailed ReadingHow to Write a Rotten Poem with Almost No EffortRichard Howey 1 So you w

20、ant to write a poem. Youve had a rotten day or an astounding thought or a car accident or a squalid love affair and you want to record it for all time. You want to organize those emotions that are pounding through your veins. You have something to communicate via a poem but you dont know where to st

21、art.16Detailed Reading2 This, of course, is the problem with poetry. Most people find it difficult to write a poem so they dont even try. Whats worse, they dont bother reading any poems either. Poetry has become an almost totally foreign art form to many of us. As a result, serious poets either star

22、ve or work as account executives. There is no middle ground. Good poets and poems are lost forever simply because there is no market for them, no people who write their own verse and seek out further inspiration from other bards.17Detailed Reading3 Fortunately, there is a solution for this problem,

23、as there are for all imponderables. The answer is to make it easy for everyone to write at least one poem in his life. Once a person has written a poem, of whatever quality, he will feel comradeship with fellow poets and, hopefully, read their works. Ideally, there would evolve a veritable society o

24、f poet-citizens, which would elevate the quality of life worldwide. Not only that, good poets could make a living for a change.18Detailed Reading4 So, to begin, have your paper ready. You must first understand that the poem you write here will not be brilliant. It wont even be mediocre. But it will

25、be better than 50% of all song lyrics and at least equal to one of Rod McKuens best efforts. You will be instructed how to write a four-line poem but the basic structure can be repeated at will to create works of epic length.19Detailed Reading5 The first line of your poem should start and end with t

26、hese words: “In the of my mind.” The middle word of this line is optional. Any word will do. It would be best not to use a word that has been overdone, such as “windmills” or “gardens” or “playground.” Just think of as many nouns as you can and see what fits best. The rule of thumb is to pick a noun

27、 that seems totally out of context, such as “filing cabinet” or “radiator” or “parking lot.” Just remember, the more unusual the noun, the more profound the image.20Detailed Reading6 The second line should use two or more of the human senses in a conflicting manner, as per the famous, “listen to the

28、 warm.” This is a sure way to conjure up “poetic” feeling and atmosphere. Since there are five different senses, the possibilities are endless. A couple that come to mind are “see the noise” and “touch the sound.” If more complexity is desired other senses can be added, as in “taste the color of my

29、hearing,” or “I cuddled your sight in the aroma of the night.” Rhyming, of course, is optional.21Detailed Reading7 The third line should be just a simple statement. This is used to break up the insightful images that have been presented in the first two lines. This line should be as prosaic as possi

30、ble to give a “down-to-earth” mood to the poem. An example would be “she gave me juice and toast that morning,” or perhaps “I left for work next day on the 8:30 bus.” The content of this line may or may not relate to what has gone before.22Detailed Reading8 The last line of your poem should deal wit

31、h the future in some way. This gives the poem a forward thrust that is always helpful. A possibility might be, “tomorrow will be a better day,” or “Ill find someone sometime,” or “maybe well meet again in July.” This future-oriented ending lends an aura of hope and yet need not be grossly optimistic

32、.23Detailed Reading9 By following the above structure, anyone can write a poem. For example, if I select one each of my sample lines, I come up with: In the parking lot of my mind, I cuddled your sight in the aroma of the night. I left for work next day on the 8:30 bus. Maybe well meet again in July

33、.10 Now that poem (like yours, when youre finished) is rotten. But at least its a poem and youve written it, which is an accomplishment that relatively few people can claim.24Detailed Reading11 Now that youre a poet, feel free to read poetry by some of your more accomplished brothers and sisters in

34、verse. Chances are, youll find their offerings stimulating and refreshing. You might even try writing some more of your own poems, now that youve broken the ice. Observe others emotions and experience your own thats what poetry is all about.12 Incidentally, if you find it impossible to sell the poem

35、 you write to Bobby Goldsboro or John Denver, burn it. It will look terrible as the first page of your anthology when its published. 25What does the writer think is the problem with poetry? The problem with poetry is that most people dont know how to write a poem and there is no market for good poet

36、s and poems.Detailed Reading26Detailed Reading1. What is the solution for this problem suggested by the writer? The solution for this problem suggested by the writer is to make it easy for everyone to write at least one poem in his life.2. How does the writer justify his solution? The writer thinks

37、this may not only enhance peoples recognition of poets but cultivate a poetry-loving society and elevate the quality of life.27Since the title of the essay bears a very obvious mocking feature, the last paragraph, which echoes with this tone, reminds his readers of the fact that he is merely joking.

38、 Detailed Reading1. What is the real intention of the writer to present such a method of creating a poem? By introducing such a method of creating a “rotten” poem, the writer is actually encouraging people to start their journey to the appreciation of poetry and to acquire a more intimate feeling to

39、ward poetry. 2. What is the purpose of the last paragraph? 28Class ActivityGroup discussion: What is your comment of authors method of creating a poem and do you like the poem he composes according to this? Do you have any other ideas about how to create a poem?Detailed Reading29pound v. strike or h

40、it heavily and repeatedlye.g. Pounding on the floor, she shouted at the top of her voice.She slipped out of the office with the stolen secret file in her handbag, her heart pounding severely.Detailed Reading30Detailed ReadingCollocations:pound against / one.g. Waves pounded against the pier.pound al

41、ong / through / down, etc.e.g. I could hear him pounding up the stairs.pound oute.g. The Rolling Stones were pounding out one of their old numbers.31middle ground an area of compromise or possible agreement between two extreme positionse.g. Each party wants to capture the votes of those perceived as

42、 occupying the middle ground.In the argument everyone has to take sides; there is no middle ground.Detailed ReadingPractice双方谈判无法达成共同立场。双方谈判无法达成共同立场。The negotiators could find no middle ground.32squalid a. morally repulsive; sordide.g. He was living in squalid conditions.Detailed ReadingSynonyms: de

43、graded, filthy,poor,shabby, slummy,sordid, wretched33imponderable n. a thing that cannot undergo precise evaluation e.g. We cant predict the outcome. There are too many imponderables.Detailed Reading34rule of thumba broadly accurate guide or principle, based on experience or practice rather than the

44、ory.e.g. I havent been taught the finer points of carpentry; I just make things by rule of thumb.Detailed ReadingPractice这笔生意的行事法则是礼貌至上。这笔生意的行事法则是礼貌至上。The rule of thumb in this business is courtesy.35cuddle v. hold close in ones arms as a way of showing love or affection.e.g. He cuddles the baby clo

45、se.What do you think of some youngsters cuddling each other in public places, paying no heed to those who pass by?Detailed ReadingSynonyms: fondle,nestle,snuggle36incidentally ad. by the waye.g. Incidentally, it was many months before the whole truth was discovered.Detailed ReadingDerivations: incid

46、ent n. e.g.A spokesman said it was an isolated incident.incidental a. e.g. problems incidental to growing up37As a result, serious poets either starve or work as account executives. (Paragraph 2) Paraphrase:As a result, serious poets could no longer depend on poetry writing for a living; they have t

47、o turn to other profession, and most probably to become a businessman, which is held traditionally diametrically opposite to the profession of literary creation. Detailed Reading38Ideally, there would evolve a veritable society of poet-citizens, which would elevate the quality of life worldwide. (Pa

48、ragraph 3) Paraphrase:An ideal situation would be the development of a society composed of citizens who are dedicated to poetry writing, and from doing this people will have better life quality.Detailed Reading39This is a sure way to conjure up “poetic” feeling and atmosphere. (Paragraph 6)Paraphras

49、e:This is a way that will evoke poetic feeling and atmosphere for certain.Detailed Reading40You might even try writing some more of your own poems, now that youve broken the ice. (Paragraph 11)Paraphrase:Since you have removed the awkwardness of poem writing, you might even want to have a try by you

50、rself. Detailed Reading41Phrase Practice Word DerivationSynonym / AntonymVocabularyTranslation Integrated SkillsOral ActivitiesWritingGrammar42VocabularyTranslation Integrated SkillsOral ActivitiesWritingGrammar1) ponder v. imponderable a./n.他思考了几分钟才作答复。他思考了几分钟才作答复。无法估计的问题无法估计的问题我们无法预计结果，因为有太多的不确定因素

51、。我们无法预计结果，因为有太多的不确定因素。He pondered for some minutes before giving an answer.an imponderable questionWe cant predict the outcome. There are too many imponderables.e.g.43VocabularyTranslation Integrated SkillsOral ActivitiesWritingGrammar2) poetry n. poetic a. poet n.诗歌朗诵会诗歌朗诵会那位舞蹈家舞姿优美，富有诗意。那位舞蹈家舞姿优美，

52、富有诗意。他被女王封为桂冠诗人。他被女王封为桂冠诗人。a poetry readingThe dancer, moved with poetic grace.He was awarded the poet laureate by the queen.e.g.44VocabularyTranslation Integrated SkillsOral ActivitiesWritingGrammar3) accident n. accidental a. accidentally ad.他数年前死于车祸。他数年前死于车祸。今天偶然遇到一位老朋友。今天偶然遇到一位老朋友。“他是无意中损坏的吗他是无意

53、中损坏的吗?”“?”“不，是故意的。不，是故意的。”He died in an automobile accident years ago.I had an accidental meeting with an old friend today.“Did he break it accidentally?” “No, on purpose.”e.g.454) seek v. seeker n. unsought a.他寻求答案，但无结果。他寻求答案，但无结果。经济危机中求职者找工作困难重重。经济危机中求职者找工作困难重重。爱管闲事的邻居总是给我们一些没必要的建议。爱管闲事的邻居总是给我们一些没

54、必要的建议。VocabularyTranslation Integrated SkillsOral ActivitiesWritingGrammarHe sought vainly for the answer.During economic crisis, job seekers are in great difficulty.The meddling neighbor insisted on giving us unsought advice.e.g.46VocabularyTranslation Integrated SkillsOral ActivitiesWritingGrammar

55、5) cuddle v. cuddly a.我可爱的小女儿走到她父亲那儿，要他抱抱她。我可爱的小女儿走到她父亲那儿，要他抱抱她。它是我所知的最可爱的狗狗，让人总想去抱抱它。它是我所知的最可爱的狗狗，让人总想去抱抱它。My lovely daughter came to her father for cuddling.It is the most affectionate and cuddly dog I have ever known.e.g.47VocabularyTranslation Integrated SkillsOral ActivitiesWritingGrammar6) jui

56、ce n. juicy a.倒果汁前，先把瓶子摇几下。倒果汁前，先把瓶子摇几下。他要了一份多汁的后腿肉牛排。他要了一份多汁的后腿肉牛排。Give the bottle a couple of shakes before pouring the juice.He ordered a juicy rump steak.e.g.48VocabularyTranslation Integrated SkillsOral ActivitiesWritingGrammar7) orientate v. disorientated a. orientation n.我公司业务已转向出口方面。我公司业务已转向

57、出口方面。到了新地方我总是找不着方向。到了新地方我总是找不着方向。我在这个阶段需要熟悉情况。我在这个阶段需要熟悉情况。Our firm has been orientated towards the export side of the business.I always get disorientated in a new place.I needed some orientation at this stage.e.g.49VocabularyTranslation Integrated SkillsOral ActivitiesWritingGrammar8) verse n. vers

58、ed a.伊丽莎白时代的许多戏剧以无韵诗形式写成。伊丽莎白时代的许多戏剧以无韵诗形式写成。他精通光学。他精通光学。Many Elizabethan plays are written in blank verse.He is well versed in the science of optics.e.g.503. I decided to go to the library to some information on Roman Conquest.4. Tanks are strongly built. It is a complicated and difficult process t

59、o them . 1. The sound of the pipes images of misty Highland glens and men in kilts. VocabularyTranslation Integrated SkillsOral ActivitiesWritingGrammar2. The High Commissioner said the agreement would allow other vital problems to be . seek out_conjures up_dealt with_Fill in the blank in each sente

60、nce with an appropriate phrasal verb or collocation from the text.break _up_516. Faced with insurmountable linguistic problems, translators negotiated the boundaries between languages and a compromise. 5. The social change within the city wider developments in the country as a whole. VocabularyTrans