Billy Budd writing assignment
Hello, IIIH! Here's what I want you to work on this weekend.
In poetry and prose, there is a device called an "epigraph." This is a quote from another author used at the start of a work. It's generally related to the content of the new work by THEME--that is, the theme of the quote establishes a certain mindset for the reader, by which they can better understand the work they are about to read.
So, guess what? You guessed it! I want you to write an original poem, using one of the Billy Budd film quotes as your epigraph. Now, don't panic. I'm not expecting a work of Nobel-caliber genius (although I certainly won't complain if I get one!). I simply want you to make your best effort.
Parameters: Write at least 20 lines, typed, single-spaced. You do not need to use any particular form (standardized rhythm, rhyme, etc are optional)--making the poem make SENSE is the priority, and making the epigraph and poem connect a necessity. THE POEM SHOULD NOT IN ANY WAY RELATE TO OR DISCUSS THE EVENTS OF BILLY BUDD, with the exception of a connecting THEME.
There plenty of examples of epigraph poetry out there. A simple web search will put you in touch with many. You might start with TS Eliot's "Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" as one example. There are several good ones by my fave Billy Collins as well.
Good Luck! I'll see you all on Monday.
In poetry and prose, there is a device called an "epigraph." This is a quote from another author used at the start of a work. It's generally related to the content of the new work by THEME--that is, the theme of the quote establishes a certain mindset for the reader, by which they can better understand the work they are about to read.
So, guess what? You guessed it! I want you to write an original poem, using one of the Billy Budd film quotes as your epigraph. Now, don't panic. I'm not expecting a work of Nobel-caliber genius (although I certainly won't complain if I get one!). I simply want you to make your best effort.
Parameters: Write at least 20 lines, typed, single-spaced. You do not need to use any particular form (standardized rhythm, rhyme, etc are optional)--making the poem make SENSE is the priority, and making the epigraph and poem connect a necessity. THE POEM SHOULD NOT IN ANY WAY RELATE TO OR DISCUSS THE EVENTS OF BILLY BUDD, with the exception of a connecting THEME.
There plenty of examples of epigraph poetry out there. A simple web search will put you in touch with many. You might start with TS Eliot's "Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" as one example. There are several good ones by my fave Billy Collins as well.
Good Luck! I'll see you all on Monday.
posted by L Lazarow | 10:19 AM
4 Comments:
Horray we get to write poetry! If anyone has a good suggestion for a rhyme scheme or anything please post it. The only one I know is the Venus and Adonis one, which is very simplistic.
does it have to be formal?
mine's kind of about young love, and it has 4 lines in each stanza with the second and fourth lines rhyming.
Is that too elementary?
"You do not need to use any particular form (standardized rhythm, rhyme, etc are optional)--making the poem make SENSE is the priority, and making the epigraph and poem connect a necessity."
My poem doesn't have a rhyme or rhythm scheme, and I believe the poems don't have to have either... Hopefully I'm right.
--Danielle
i agree Danielle. Mine has neither of those... I think it's okay as long as it makes sense and it is too choppy...
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