We have to do an oral commentary and analyze an poem that can be related to structuralism. We read a book called the educated imagination, and that book explains the idea of structuralism. Can somebody please suggest an poem that would be good for this assignment? and also, could someone please explain the meaning of structuralism? i kind of understand it ..

First of all, you'll need to explain what you do understand about the term "structuralism" -- a dictionary definition is not clear ( http://www.answers.com/topic/structuralism ), and I haven't heard of it -- although another teacher here may have.

When it comes to selecting a poem that could be related to structuralism, there are several options to consider. Here are a few suggestions along with an explanation of structuralism:

1. "The Waste Land" by T.S. Eliot: This modernist poem explores themes of disillusionment and fragmentation in post-World War I society. It presents a fragmented structure that reflects the disarray and breakdown of traditional values.

2. "Ode to a Nightingale" by John Keats: This Romantic poem examines the tension between the immortal world of art and the mortal world of human existence. Its structure reflects the interplay between subjective experience and the eternal.

3. "The Red Wheelbarrow" by William Carlos Williams: This short imagist poem focuses on the visual image of a red wheelbarrow and explores the relationship between the object and its surroundings. Its structure demonstrates how meaning can be constructed through attention to everyday objects.

Now, moving on to the explanation of structuralism:

Structuralism is a theoretical framework that emerged in the mid-20th century, seeking to analyze and understand various aspects of culture, language, and human experience by examining the underlying structures and systems that organize them. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of elements within a system and emphasizes the structural relationships rather than individual components.

In literature, structuralism attempts to identify and analyze the underlying patterns, systems, and rules that shape the organization and meaning of literary texts. It explores how different elements such as language, symbols, themes, and narrative structures interact to create meaning. Structuralists believe that meaning is not fixed or absolute, but is instead derived from the relationships between various elements within a text.

Structuralist analysis often focuses on identifying binary oppositions, recurring symbols or motifs, narrative structures, and the ways in which these elements contribute to the overall meaning and interpretation of a literary work.

By studying the underlying structures and systems, structuralism aims to uncover the deeper meaning and patterns that shape human experience, offering fresh insights into literature, culture, and language.