“This Be The Verse”
Text online here: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/48419/this-be-the-verse
(Links to an external site.)
/ This Be The Verse.pdf
download
Hear Larkin read his poem:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rjRYSfCJvM
(Links to an external site.)
As always, do a little pre-reading and contextualizing.
Then come to the board, and discuss! One comment, one response.
What is the most striking image in this poem?
What sort of voice does the rhythm suggest?
“You Can’t Kill The Rooster”
Text here: https://sites.google.com/site/mendomundo/home/you-cant-kill-the-rooster
(Links to an external site.)
Sedaris reading the story here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExcpcPZKWpU&t=28s
(Links to an external site.)
“You Can’t Kill The Rooster” is a 100% NSFW, hilarious memoir of the culture clash between a highly educated New York father, and his North Carolina native son.
Strongly recommend that you listen to Sedaris reading this – it is very, very funny. But use headphones; it’s also pretty rude.
As always, do a little pre-reading and contextualizing, and look up references you don’t understand (for instance, what are some of the comical stereotypes Sedaris attributes to Southerners?)
Then come to this discussion board and discuss! Two posts: one comment, one response.
What is the secret of Paul’s bond with his father?
Connections
The Joy Luck Club, “Everyday Use,” “Digging,” “This Be The Verse,” and “You Can’t Kill The Rooster” all deal with similar themes.
Can you find some? Point to a connection between these texts – as specific as possible.