Unit 6 How to Write

a Rotten Poem with Almost No Effort

Pre-reading activitiesPre-reading activities

Detailed readingDetailed reading

Post-reading activitiesPost-reading activities

Watch the video clip and answer the following questions.

1. Why should students of all majors study poetry?

2. Are the students’ expressions changing when they are listening to Mr. Keating’s words?

Because poetry has universal value. It stands for human passion and love and these are what we are living for.

Yes, they are all inspired by Mr. Keating’s speech about the meaning of poetry.

Mr. Keating: Keep ripping gentlemen. This is a battle, a war. And the casualties could be your hearts and souls. Thank you Mr. Dalton. 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. I see that look in Mr. Pitt’s 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 the

From Dead Poets Society

business of achieving other ambitions.” I have a little secret for you. Huddle up. Huddle up! We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled 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 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. That

the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse.

What is poetry?

What is poetry?• R. M. Alden: Poetry is the art of presenting human

experiences, in so far as they are of lasting or universal interest, in metrical language, usually with chief reference to the emotions and by means of the imagination.

• Dylan Thomas: Poetry is what makes me laugh or cry or yawn, what makes me want to do this or that or nothing.

• William Wordsworth: Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings.

• Emily Dickinson: If I read a book and it makes my body so cold that no fire can ever warm me, I know that is poetry. If I feel physically as if the top of my head were taken off, I know that is poetry.

Poetry Eleanor Farjeon (1881-1965)

What is Poetry? Who knows?Not a Rose, but the scent of the rose;Not the sky, but the light in the sky;Not the fly, but the gleam of the fly;Not the sea, but the sound of the sea;Not myself, but what makes mesee, hear, and feel something that prose Cannot: and what is it, who knows? 诗

谁能告诉我 , 什么是诗 ? 它不是玫瑰 , 却有玫瑰的芳香 ; 它不是蓝天 , 却似蓝天一样明亮 ; 它不是萤火虫 , 却在黑暗中闪光 ; 它不是大海 , 却似大海万倾波涛 , 激起轰响 ; 它不是我 , 却使我看到 , 听到 , 感受到 , 一种奇妙的东西 , 一种散文难以描绘的意境 . 谁能告诉我 , 什么是诗？

1. 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 refrains.

• Following the development of writing, poetry has since developed into increasingly structured forms.

• Written composition meant poets began to compose for an absent reader.

Cultural Background

• Much poetry since the late 20th century has moved away from traditional forms towards the more vaguely defined free verse and prose poem formats.

Cultural Background

2. 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 and tragedy as subgenres.

Cultural Background

Pre-reading questions

• 1. Do you like reading poems? Have you ever tried to write a poem?

• 2. If YES, do you think it is difficult to write a poem? Where does the difficulty lie?

• 3. What kind of poem can be called a good poem? How can we write a good poem?

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 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 purpose 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.

Text Analysis

Paragraphs

Main idea

1-3

4-9

10-12

The first part introduces the problem with poetry and the significance of the writer’s 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 poem.

1. In terms of organization, the article clearly falls into three main parts:

Structural Analysis

Detailed Reading

Detailed Reading

How to Write a Rotten Poem with Almost No Effort

Richard Howey

1 So you want to write a poem. You’ve 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 don’t know where to start.

Detailed Reading

2 This, of course, is the problem with poetry. Most people find it difficult to write a poem so they don’t even try. What’s worse, they don’t bother reading any poems either. Poetry has become an almost totally foreign art form to many of us. As a result, serious poets either starve 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.

Detailed Reading

3 Fortunately, there is a solution for this problem, 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 of poet-citizens, which would elevate the quality of life worldwide. Not only that, good poets could make a living for a change.

Detailed Reading

4 So, to begin, have your paper ready. You must first understand that the poem you write here will not be brilliant. It won’t even be mediocre. But it will be better than 50% of all song lyrics and at least equal to one of Rod McKuen’s 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.

Detailed Reading

5 The first line of your poem should start and end with these 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 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.

Detailed Reading

6 The second line should use two or more of the human senses in a conflicting manner, as per the famous, “listen to the 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 hearing,” or “I cuddled your sight in the aroma of the night.” Rhyming, of course, is optional.

Detailed Reading

7 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 possible 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.

Detailed Reading

8 The last line of your poem should deal with 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 “I’ll find someone sometime,” or “maybe we’ll meet again in July.” This future-oriented ending lends an aura of hope and yet need not be grossly optimistic.

Detailed 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 we’ll meet again in July.10 Now that poem (like yours, when you’re finished) is rotten. But at least it’s a poem and you’ve written it, which is an accomplishment that relatively few people can claim.

Detailed Reading

11 Now that you’re a poet, feel free to read poetry by some of your more accomplished brothers and sisters in verse. Chances are, you’ll find their offerings stimulating and refreshing. You might even try writing some more of your own poems, now that you’ve broken the ice. Observe others’ emotions and experience your own — that’s what poetry is all about.12 Incidentally, if you find it impossible to sell the poem you write to Bobby Goldsboro or John Denver, burn it. It will look terrible as the first page of your anthology when it’s published.

What does the writer think is the problem with poetry?

The problem with poetry is that most people don’t know how to write a poem and there is no market for good poets and poems.

Detailed Reading

Detailed Reading

1. 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 this may not only enhance people’s recognition of poets but cultivate a poetry-loving society and elevate the quality of life.

Since 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.

Detailed Reading

1. 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 toward poetry.

2. What is the purpose of the last paragraph?

Class ActivityGroup discussion: What is your comment of author’s 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 Reading

pound v. strike or hit heavily and repeatedly

e.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 Reading

Detailed Reading

Collocations:

pound against / on

e.g. Waves pounded against the pier.

pound along / through / down, etc.

e.g. I could hear him pounding up the stairs.

pound out

e.g. The Rolling Stones were pounding out one of their old numbers.

middle ground an area of compromise or possible agreement between two extreme positions

e.g.Each party wants to capture the votes of those perceived as occupying the middle ground.

In the argument everyone has to take sides; there is no middle ground.

Detailed Reading

Practice

双方谈判无法达成共同立场。

The negotiators could find no middle ground.

squalid a. morally repulsive; sordid

e.g. He was living in squalid conditions.

Detailed Reading

Synonyms:degraded, filthy, poor, shabby, slummy, sordid, wretched

imponderable n. a thing that cannot undergo precise evaluation

我们无法预计结果，因为有太多的不确定因素。

e.g. We can’t predict the outcome. There are too many imponderables.

Detailed Reading

ponder v. → imponderable a.

他思考了几分钟才作答复。He pondered for some minutes before giving an answer.

无法估计的问题an imponderable question

rule of thumba broadly accurate guide or principle, based on experience or practice rather than theory.

e.g. I haven’t been taught the finer points of carpentry; I just make things by rule of thumb.

Detailed Reading

Practice

这笔生意的行事法则是礼貌至上。

The rule of thumb in this business is courtesy.

cuddle v. hold close in one’s arms as a way of showing love or affection. 搂抱 ; 拥抱 ; 怀抱

e.g. He cuddles the baby close.

What do you think of some youngsters cuddling each other in public places, paying no heed to those who pass by?

Detailed Reading

Synonyms:fondle, nestle, snuggle

• aura

• N-COUNT An aura is a quality or feeling that seems to surround a person or place or to come from them. 气质 ; 氛围

• 例：她有一种权威气质。• She had an aura of authority.

incidentally ad. by the way

e.g. Incidentally, it was many months before the whole truth was discovered.

Detailed Reading

Derivations: incident n.

e.g. A spokesman said it was an isolated incident.

incidental a.

e.g. problems incidental to growing up

As 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 to turn to other profession, and most probably to become a businessman, which is held traditionally diametrically opposite to the profession of literary creation.

Detailed Reading

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. (Paragraph 2)

Paraphrase:

Good poets have stopped writing poems, because there are fewer and fewer readers and fellow poets. They cannot depend on poetry writing for a living, and there is no more poetic society from which they can draw inspirations and stimulations.

Detailed Reading

Ideally, there would evolve a veritable society of poet-citizens, which would elevate the quality of life worldwide. (Paragraph 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 Reading

genuine; authentic真正的，名副其实的；十足的

• Rod McKuen was one of the best-selling poets in America during the late '60s, and also achieved considerable success as a songwriter, soundtrack composer, and singer. McKuen's recordings alternated between poetic pop songs and spoken word readings of his verse, and his more serious composition work earned him two Oscar nominations and one Pulitzer nomination. Additionally, his translations helped bring the work of legendary French songwriter…

e.g.节食总能让人想起无尽的沙拉。

Dieting always seems to conjure up images of endless salads.

conjure up: bring a thought, picture, idea, or memory to someone’s mind

This is a sure way to conjure up “poetic” feeling and atmosphere. (Paragraph 6)

Paraphrase:

This is a way that will evoke poetic feeling and atmosphere for certain.

Detailed Reading

You might even try writing some more of your own poems, now that you’ve broken the ice. (Paragraph 11)

Paraphrase:Since you have removed the awkwardness of poem writing, you might even want to have a try by yourself.

Detailed Reading

Observe others’ emotions and experience your own – that’s what poetry is all about. (Paragraph 11)

Paraphrase:The point of poetry is to express and record emotions. So when you read poems, you will observe the emotions of the poet and when you write your own poem, you need to observe and organize your own.

Detailed Reading

• Bobby Goldsboro (1941-) is an American country and pop singer-songwriter as well as an accomplished painter and television producer. Goldsboro was one of the most popular recording actors of the late 1960s and 1970s.

• American folk singer John Denver was an artist in the most genuine sense of the word – he used his craft to change the world. A songwriter, performer, actor, environmentalist and humanitarian, Denver was not only one of the most beloved entertainers of the 1970s but a leading advocate of global causes until his tragic death in 1997. Songs such as "Take Me Home, Country Roads" and "Sunshine on My Shoulders" garnered him critical acclaim while simultaneously catapulting his gentle message towards the earth, peace, and compassion to the masses. It was this ardent and steadfast love of

nature that came to identify John Denver as "The Poet for the Planet." Earning three American Music Award honors and two posthumous Grammys, Denver was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1996.

• 约翰 ·丹佛是美国老牌的乡村歌手，“乡村音乐的代名词”，其唱片曾获 24 次金唱片奖及4 次白金唱片奖。在美国乡村音乐史上，其地位无人可敌。约翰 ·丹佛在 1976 年建立了Windstar 基金会，这是一个非盈利的环境教育和研究组织，为了世界的未来发展而贡献着。丹佛的音乐反映了作为一个以天下为己任的，一个为了提高所有人的生活质量——环境，社会和政治——而努力的人的良心。

Post-reading activities

• Listen to the song “Top of the world”. Please write new lyrics for the song.

• Such a feeling's coming over me. There is a wonder in most everything I see.Not a cloud in the sky,got the sun in my eyes,And I won't be surprised if it's a dream.Everything I want the world to be Is now coming true especially for me.And the reason is clear,It's because you're here.You are the nearest thing to heavenThat I've seen.

• I'm on the top of the worldLooking down on creation,And the only explanation I can find is the love that I've found Ever since you've been around.Your love's put me on the top of the world.

• Something in the wind has learned my name,And it's telling me that things are not the same.In the leaves on the trees,And the touch of the breeze,There's a pleasing sense of happiness for me.There is only one wish on my mind,When this day is throughI hope that I will find That tomorrow will be just the same for you and me.All I need will be mine if you are here.

Exercises• 1. 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.

• Good poets have stopped writing poems, because there are fewer and fewer readers and fellow poets. They cannot depend on poetry writing for a living, and there is no more poetic society from which they can draw inspirations and stimulations.

• 2. Observe others’ emotions and experience your own – that’s what poetry is all about.

• The point of poetry is to express and record emotions. So when you read poems, you will observe the emotions of the poet and when you write your own poem, you need to observe and organize your own.

Explain the underlined part in your own words

• 1. pounding through your veins: extremely intense

• 2. The rule of thumb: The practical principle

• 3. as per: just like; following the example of

• 4. Chances are: Probably; Quite likely

• 5. broken the ice: made a start despite the difficulty

English-to-Chinese Translation• 1. You’ve 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.

• 你度过了糟糕的一天，或者有个绝妙的想法，或者遭遇车祸，再或情场失意，你想把它记录下来。

• 2. 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.

• 好的诗人和诗歌永远消失了，就是因为没有市场，没有人写诗并从别的诗人那里获取灵感。

• 3. Ideally, there would evolve a veritable society of poet-citizens, which would elevate the quality of life worldwide.

• 理想化的结果是，名副其实的诗人公民社会发展起来了，全世界的生活质量得到了提升。

• 4. This future-oriented ending lends an aura of hope and yet need not be grossly optimistic.

• 这种展望未来的结尾给人一种希望的意味，但不必对此抱有盲目乐观的态度。

Translation exercises:• 1. 有时，我们不得不做出选择，因为没有中

间路可走。 (middle ground)

• Sometimes, we have to make a choice because there is no middle ground.

• 2. 他脑海里经常浮现过去的景象：那时的他无忧无虑，没有生活的重压。 (conjure up)

• He often conjured up visions of the past when he was free from the pressures of life (when he was carefree, without any pressure of life).

• 3. 当他有倦意的时候，经常喝杯浓浓的清咖啡提提神。 (refresh)

• He often refreshed himself with a cup of strong black coffee when he felt fatigued.

• 4. 他挤过一群醉鬼和讨价还价的女人，穿过灯火闪耀（ flaring) 的街市。 (thrust)

• He thrust past a throng of drunken men and bargaining women and walked through the flaring streets.

• 5. 老道的译者虽然理论不多，但可以凭借经验将一种语言转换成另一种语言。 (rule of thumb)

• Experienced translators, though lacking in theory, can render one language into another by rule of thumb.

• 6. 人们普遍认为外长此行的主要目的是打破两国关系的僵局。 (break the ice)

• It was generally believed the major purpose of the foreign minister’s trip was to break the ice with regards to the relations between the two countries.

• 7. 读好书、交好友可以提升境界。(elevate)

• Reading good books and making friends with good people can elevate the mind.

• 8. 鲜花和彩灯为古老的小镇平添了节日的喜气。 (lend)

• The flowers and the colorful lights lent a festive atmosphere to this ancient small town.

Grammar• 1. Non-finite Verb Forms as Object or Complement• A non-finite verb is a verb form that is not limited by a su

bject and, more generally, is not fully inflected by categories that are marked inflectionally in language, such as tense, aspect, mood, number, gender, and person. There are three kinds of non-finite verb: participles, gerunds and infinitives.

• A non-finite verb can be used as an object, for example:• My evening routine involves jogging slowly around the

block.• A non-finite verb can also be used as a complement, for e

xample:• He has a lot of things to do today.

2. Tense

• Tense is a grammatical category that locates a situation in time, that indicates when the situation takes place.