Review “The Hill We Climb” by Amanda Gorman; rewatch the video.
What is the significance of the poem’s title? What might the “hill” signify in
our democracy? Why?
What do you think is meant by the phrase “quiet isn’t always peace”? If you
had to restate this idea in your own words, how would you say this? Can you
think of a time when things have been quiet but not peaceful?
Gorman writes that “the norms and notions of what just is, isn’t always
justice.” What do you think this line means? Do you agree? Why or Why not?
Look for the moment where Gorman describes herself in the poem. How
does she describe herself? Which of her own identities does she name? Why do
you think she chooses to name these identities in this poem about American
democracy?
How does Gorman describe what “being American” is or isn’t? Why do you
think she describes it in this way? What, if anything, might you change or add
to her description?