What is a Ballad?

1. Today you're going to be learning about Ballads.  Go to the following link and check out this ballad written by Langston Hughes

The Ballad of the Landlord

2. After reading the poem by Langston Hughes, watch the video below and listen to the song on YouTube.  It is the song Imagine by John Lennon and it is the number 1 greatest rock ballad of all time.

3. After watching the video, look at the link below and read over the lyrics

"Imagine" Lyrics


4. TO POST
Look at and think about the two ballads you just read.  What, in your opinion, makes up a ballad?  In other words, what do you think makes a poem a ballad?  Why would the two poems above be considered ballads? 

Your post should be at least 2 COMPLETE sentences.  Watch run-ons and make sure you use CORRECT punctuation. 

Also, make sure you only post using your first name, first letter of your last name, and block number.  I will give you an example.  I would post using the name Brittany W-2.  Good luck!

Cool Poems I Have Found

After finishing your post on the author of your choice, you may have time to find some poems by your author.  You can post any cool poems you find and would like to share here!

They Were Poets...And Everybody Knows It!

In this class, we will be reading some really amazing poems by some really amazing poets!  In order for you to be able to fully appreciate these poems, you need to know a little about the person behind the pen and paper.  In the links bar on the right, you have been given 5 different poets to choose from.  Once you choose what poet you would like to research, click on the link with their name and follow the steps below:

1. Read their biography (or as much as you can...some of them are pretty long!)

2. Leave a comment on this blog post and tell me:
          a.) At least one new thing you learned about this person, other than when and where they
               were born.  Try to find something interesting.
          b.) What qualities about this person do you think makes him/her a good poet?  This could
               be anything from personal interests to life experiences.
          c.) You must use at least one quote from the text to support your answer in part a.) or
               part b.).

3. If you have extra time when you are finished, go to the next post titled "Cool Poems I have Found" and do what it says.

Is that Music or Poetry?

As an introduction to our poetry unit, please choose one of the following questions and respond in at least 4-5 sentences.
1. “Poetry is the music of the soul"   -Voltaire

What do you think this quote means?  Do you agree or disagree with this saying? Explain.

OR

2. Some people believe that poetry and music go hand in hand.  Tell me what you think about this theory.  Do you agree or disagree? You can use a song you listen to on a daily basis to support your argument.