Your response should include the following to receive the points in parentheses:
• Respond in one or two paragraphs.
• Answer is written in complete sentences.
Choose one of the following two prompts.
1. "I am a citizen of the world" is a key line in the story When Greek Meets Greek." Compare and contrast how this line relates to the events of "When Greek Meets Greek" and another selection in this unit.
2. The poems in this unit share a theme of love love of self, love of family, love of country, and love of a significant other. After deciding what kind of love is being addressed in each poem, compare and contrast how two of the poems treat the subject of love. Provide sensory details that the poets use to support your examples
Prompt 2: The poems in this unit share a theme of love - love of self, love of family, love of country, and love of a significant other. After deciding what kind of love is being addressed in each poem, compare and contrast how two of the poems treat the subject of love. Provide sensory details that the poets use to support your examples.
In the poems "The Gift Outright" by Robert Frost and "A Song of Success" by Walt Whitman, the theme of love of country is addressed. In both poems, the poets express their deep affection and attachment to their homeland, although they approach it from different angles.
In "The Gift Outright," Robert Frost portrays love of country as a duty and a commitment. He describes the land as something that needs to be earned and claimed through hard work and sacrifice. Frost writes, "The land was ours before we were the land's." This line emphasizes the sense of ownership and responsibility that comes with love of country. The sensory details Frost uses, such as "snow falling and night falling fast" and "trees in the summertime" evoke images of the changing seasons and the beauty of nature, creating a nostalgic and heartfelt tone.
On the other hand, Walt Whitman's "A Song of Success" approaches love of country with a sense of triumph and enthusiasm. He celebrates the achievements of the United States and the progress it has made throughout history. Whitman uses vivid sensory details like "the thunderous waves of the tides," "the bursting shells at night," and "the shouting and the curious sound of the crowds" to immerse the reader in the grandeur and energy of the nation's growth. His love of country is portrayed as something expansive and exuberant.
While both poems express love of country, Frost's "The Gift Outright" focuses on the responsibilities associated with this love, while Whitman's "A Song of Success" celebrates the nation's achievements with enthusiasm. The sensory details used by the poets help to enhance the reader's emotional connection to their respective poems and deepen their understanding of the themes of love and patriotism explored by each poet.
Prompt 1: "I am a citizen of the world" is a key line in the story "When Greek Meets Greek." This line conveys the idea that the protagonist, Socrates, considers himself a worldly individual, connected to people from different places and backgrounds. In the story, this line relates to the events when Socrates provides refuge for Rip Van Winkle, an escaped convict. Despite their different backgrounds and circumstances, Socrates sees himself as a citizen of the world, allowing him to show compassion and help others.
In another selection from this unit, this line can also be seen in "The Father and His Sons." The story revolves around a father teaching his sons about the strength of unity. When faced with individual challenges, the sons fail, but together they succeed. The idea of being a citizen of the world is evident in this story as it highlights the importance of working together and supporting one another for the greater good.
Both "When Greek Meets Greek" and "The Father and His Sons" portray the concept of being a citizen of the world by emphasizing the connections between individuals from different backgrounds and the importance of cooperation.
Prompt 2: The poems in this unit share a theme of different types of love. Two poems that exemplify this theme are "Self in 1958" and "Mother to Son."
In "Self in 1958," the poet addresses self-love. The poem explores the narrator's journey of self-acceptance and embracing their true identity. Sensory details such as "mirror," "tears," and "reflection" evoke imagery that emphasizes the poet's introspection and their search for self-love.
In contrast, "Mother to Son" delves into the love between a mother and her son. The poem depicts the mother's advice to her son about persevering through life's challenges. Sensory details are used to convey the hardships the mother has faced, such as "tacks," "splinters," and "bare." These descriptions evoke a sense of struggle and emphasize the mother's determination to guide and support her son through tough times.
While both poems explore the theme of love, "Self in 1958" focuses on self-love and personal growth, while "Mother to Son" emphasizes the unconditional love and guidance between a mother and her child.
Prompt 1: "I am a citizen of the world" is a key line in the story "When Greek Meets Greek." This line relates to the events of the story as it reflects the protagonist's global perspective and willingness to connect with people from different backgrounds. Throughout the story, the protagonist, Holmes, interacts with individuals from various countries such as Greece, England, and America. He is intrigued by their different customs, languages, and experiences, and embraces the idea of being a citizen of the world. This mindset is further highlighted when Holmes ultimately chooses to pursue a career in international relations, demonstrating his commitment to fostering understanding and cooperation between nations.
In comparison to another selection in this unit, such as "The Good Deed" by Marion Dane Bauer, the line "I am a citizen of the world" carries a similar sentiment. In "The Good Deed," the main character, Annabel, selflessly helps a homeless man despite being cautioned against it by her parents. Her act of kindness transcends societal boundaries as she sees the man's humanity beyond his circumstances. Annabel's actions, like Holmes in "When Greek Meets Greek," reflect a mindset of being a citizen of the world, as she prioritizes empathy and compassion over societal or cultural divisions.
Prompt 2: The poems in this unit share the theme of love, exploring various aspects of it. In the poems "A Song for the Lovers" by Richard Tuma and "Love Unpunished" by Julia Alvarez, different kinds of love are addressed. "A Song for the Lovers" explores the love of a significant other, conveying a passionate and intense connection between two individuals. The poet uses sensory details to support this, describing "the taste of your whisper" and "the touch of your breath." These sensory descriptions evoke a sense of intimacy and intensity, highlighting the deep emotional attachment between the lovers.
In contrast, "Love Unpunished" by Julia Alvarez focuses on the love of self. The poem delves into the importance of self-acceptance and embracing one's unique qualities. Alvarez employs sensory details to support this theme, describing how the speaker "feels/four billion cells pulsating" and "inhales every cell's rhythm." These sensory descriptions evoke a sense of self-awareness and connection to one's own body, celebrating the beauty of individuality and self-love.
While both poems explore the theme of love, they do so in different ways. "A Song for the Lovers" emphasizes the passionate love between two individuals, while "Love Unpunished" delves into the significance of self-love and acceptance, celebrating the beauty within oneself.