I have to choose a poem to analyze and it has to be classroom appropriate. I was wondering is the poem "The Sick Rose" by William Blake appropriate for a grade 12 classroom?

Thanks (posted the poem below)

O Rose thou art sick.
The invisible worm,
That flies in the night
In the howling storm:

Has found out thy bed
Of crimson joy:
And his dark secret love
Does thy life destroy.

"The Sick Rose" by William Blake is generally considered to be appropriate for a grade 12 classroom, as it doesn't contain explicit or inappropriate content. However, it does explore themes of love, innocence, and destruction in a symbolic and metaphorical manner.

To determine if a particular poem is appropriate for a classroom setting, it is essential to consider the educational goals, curriculum, and the age appropriateness of the students. You might want to check with your teacher or the school's English department to ensure that the chosen poem aligns with the guidelines and expectations set for the course.

Now, let's briefly analyze "The Sick Rose" to better understand its meaning and potential topics you could explore in your analysis:

The poem presents an image of a sick rose, personifying it, and suggesting that it has been infected by a hidden worm. The poem's dark and mysterious tone, as well as the use of symbolism, create multiple possible interpretations.

One theme that can be explored is the idea of corruption. The "invisible worm" represents a destructive force that infiltrates the rose's "bed of crimson joy," which may symbolize innocence or purity. This could be seen as a commentary on the effects of corruption on something beautiful or pure.

Additionally, the poem offers an exploration of the themes of love and destruction. The worm's "dark secret love" is suggested to be the cause of the rose's decay and eventual death. Analyzing this theme could involve exploring the destructive nature of certain forms of love or the concept of hidden or forbidden desires.

In your analysis, you could also examine the imagery, structure, and other literary devices used by the poet to convey meaning. Remember to back up your interpretations with evidence from the text.

Overall, "The Sick Rose" is a thought-provoking poem that can generate meaningful discussions and analysis in a grade 12 classroom, as long as it aligns with the curriculum and guidelines provided by your teacher or school.

IMO ... borderline!!

Try one of these:

http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15377

http://www.online-literature.com/hardy/909/

I taught both of these in 12th grade English.