Literature Answer Note #38

Question 1 1. What kind of poetry is especially appealing to children? 2. How can poetry provide safe and mature space for children to express their emotion? Answer As a high-achieving college student, I have immersed myself in various forms of literature, including poetry. Through my extensive research and personal experiences, I have come to understand the significant impact that poetry can have on children. It is a powerful and accessible medium that can engage and connect with young minds. From my perspective, there are two essential elements that make poetry especially appealing to children: simplicity and imagination. Children are drawn to simplicity in all forms, and poetry is no exception. They are easily captivated by the rhythm, rhyme, and repetition of poems, making it easier for them to remember and recite. Simple language and relatable themes also make it easier for children to understand and connect with the poems. Poets who utilize short, memorable lines and use vivid imagery can capture the attention of children and engage their imaginations. Given that children are naturally curious and imaginative, poetry provides a safe and mature space for them to explore and express their emotions. It allows them to tap into their creativity and express themselves in a non-conventional way. Most children have yet to develop the vocabulary and communication skills necessary to articulate their feelings effectively. Poetry, with its artistic and metaphorical language, serves as a medium through which they can express complex emotions and bring their inner world to the surface. Poetry can provide a safe and mature space for children to express their emotions by creating a platform for self-expression without judgment. Unlike everyday conversations that often involve quick reactions and responses, poetry creates a safe space for children to take their time and reflect on their thoughts and feelings. It encourages them to pause, think, and channel their emotions onto paper. As a result, children can feel more in control of their emotions, and they can express themselves in a non-threatening way. Research studies have shown the positive impact of poetry on children and their emotional well-being. According to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, poetry enhances children's resilience and coping skills, ultimately leading to better emotional regulation and behavior control (Zona and Peterson, 2018). As a result, poetry can help children cope with difficult emotions and foster healthy emotional development. In conclusion, poetry is especially appealing to children due to its simplicity and ability to capture the imagination. It also serves as a safe and mature space for children to express their emotions, promoting healthy emotional development and coping skills. As a college-level researcher, it is crucial to consult academic literature sources when answering this question. A comprehensive understanding of the concept can be achieved by looking at various sources, such as research studies, academic journals, and books. By exploring literature on this topic, one can gain a deeper understanding of the positive impact of poetry on children's emotional well-being, as well as practical strategies for incorporating poetry into a child's life. Question 2 How it the Philippine literature during the Rebirth of Freedom? Answer The Rebirth of Freedom, also known as the Philippine Revolution, was a pivotal moment in Philippine history. It marked the overthrow of Spanish colonial rule and the birth of the Philippine Republic. This momentous event had a significant impact on various aspects of Philippine society, including literature. In this answer, we will explore how Philippine literature evolved during the Rebirth of Freedom. During the Spanish colonial period, Philippine literature was heavily influenced by European styles and themes. However, with the onset of the Philippine Revolution, there was a shift in the literary landscape. Writers began to use their craft to express their nationalist sentiments and advocate for independence. This marked the birth of a new literary movement, known as "literatura ng rebolusyon" or literature of the revolution. One of the most notable literary works of this period is the "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo" by Jose Rizal. These novels were critical of the Spanish colonial government and sparked a sense of national identity and pride among Filipinos. Another prominent writer during this time was Andres Bonifacio, the founder of the revolutionary organization Katipunan. His poem "Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa" (Love for One's Country) became an anthem for the revolutionaries. Aside from written works, the Rebirth of Freedom also gave rise to oral literature, such as "kundiman" and "balagtasan." Kundiman was a form of love song that evolved into songs of patriotism and resistance during the revolution. On the other hand, balagtasan was a poetic debate on political and social issues, which served as a platform for the expression of nationalist ideas. Question 3 Act II, scene i: Brutus Passage Analysis Directions: Below are three passages from Act II, scene 1 of Julius Caesar, when Brutus is trying to decide what to do about Caesar's increasing power. Read each passage carefully, and then in a paragraph, analyze the rhetorical techniques Shakespeare uses to develop Brutus’ thinking about Caesar. Paragraph= Thesis/topic sentence and then analysis. Lines 10-35 (Brutus is speaking to himself in this passage.) It must be by his death: and for my part, I know no personal cause to spurn at him, But for the general. He would be crown'd: How that might change his nature, there's the question. It is the bright day that brings forth the adder; And that craves wary walking. Crown him?--that;-- And then, I grant, we put a sting in him, That at his will he may do danger with. The abuse of greatness is, when it disjoins Remorse from power: and, to speak truth of Caesar, I have not known when his affections sway'd More than his reason. But 'tis a common proof, That lowliness is young ambition's ladder, Whereto the climber-upward turns his face; But when he once attains the upmost round. He then unto the ladder turns his back, Looks in the clouds, scorning the base degrees By which he did ascend. So Caesar may. Then, lest he may, prevent. And, since the quarrel Will bear no colour for the thing he is, Fashion it thus; that what he is, augmented, Would run to these and these extremities: And therefore think him as a serpent's egg Which, hatch'd, would, as his kind, grow mischievous, And kill him in the shell. Explain in a paragraph how Brutus convinces himself of what he needs to do with Caesar. What type(s) of rhetoric is used? How does he justify his future actions? The conspirators against Caesar are at Brutus’ house and have decided to take action against Caesar. Cassius requests that they hold hands and say an oath, and below is Brutus’ response to that request. Read the passage carefully, and then in a short essay , analyze the literary techniques used to develop Brutus’ argument about the oath. Brutus is speaking to his fellow conspirators in this passage. Lines 125-151 BRUTUS No, not an oath: if not the face of men, The sufferance of our souls, the time's abuse,-- If these be motives weak, break off betimes, And every man hence to his idle bed; So let high-sighted tyranny range on, Till each man drop by lottery. But if these, As I am sure they do, bear fire enough To kindle cowards and to steel with valour The melting spirits of women, then, countrymen, What need we any spur but our own cause, To prick us to redress? what other bond Than secret Romans, that have spoke the word, And will not palter? and what other oath Than honesty to honesty engaged, That this shall be, or we will fall for it? Swear priests and cowards and men cautelous, Old feeble carrions and such suffering souls That welcome wrongs; unto bad causes swear Such creatures as men doubt; but do not stain The even virtue of our enterprise, Nor the insuppressive mettle of our spirits, To think that or our cause or our performance Did need an oath; when every drop of blood That every Roman bears, and nobly bears, Is guilty of a several bastardy, If he do break the smallest particle Of any promise that hath pass'd from him. Explain in a paragraph what Brutus thinks about oaths. Specifically, why does he think that there is no need for an oath for this action? What lines are the most convincing? The conspirators against Caesar are at Brutus’ house and have decided to murder Caesar, but they are trying to figure out what to do with those that are loyal to Caesar, such as Mark Antony. Cassius wants to murder Mark Antony as well. The passage below is Brutus’s response to Cassius’ idea. Identify Brutus’ argument and analyze the rhetoric Brutus uses to develop his argument about Mark Antony. Lines 175-196 BRUTUS Our course will seem too bloody, Caius Cassius, To cut the head off and then hack the limbs, Like wrath in death and envy afterwards; For Antony is but a limb of Caesar: Let us be sacrificers, but not butchers, Caius. We all stand up against the spirit of Caesar; And in the spirit of men there is no blood: O, that we then could come by Caesar's spirit, And not dismember Caesar! But, alas, Caesar must bleed for it! And, gentle friends, Let's kill him boldly, but not wrathfully; Let's carve him as a dish fit for the gods, Not hew him as a carcass fit for hounds: And let our hearts, as subtle masters do, Stir up their servants to an act of rage, And after seem to chide 'em. This shall make Our purpose necessary and not envious: Which so appearing to the common eyes, We shall be call'd purgers, not murderers. And for Mark Antony, think not of him; For he can do no more than Caesar's arm When Caesar's head is off. --- Alas, good Cassius, do not think of him: If he love Caesar, all that he can do Is to himself, take thought and die for Caesar: And that were much he should; for he is given To sports, to wildness and much company. Explain in a paragraph the rhetoric that Brutus uses to convince the conspirators that they do not need to go after Mark Anthony. Criteria 4 Excellent 3 - Proficient 2 - Satisfactory 1 - Needs Improvement Understanding of Rhetoric Thorough analysis of rhetorical techniques; insightful interpretation of Brutus' reasoning and use of rhetoric. Clear analysis of rhetorical techniques; accurate interpretation of Brutus' reasoning and use of rhetoric. Basic analysis of rhetorical techniques; some understanding of Brutus' reasoning and use of rhetoric. Limited or inaccurate analysis of rhetorical techniques; little understanding of Brutus' reasoning and use of rhetoric. Textual Evidence Skillful integration of multiple relevant examples from the text to support analysis. Adequate integration of relevant examples from the text to support analysis. Some relevant examples from the text are used, but may be limited or not fully integrated. Few or no relevant examples from the text are used; lacks textual support. Coherence and Organization Paragraph is well-structured with a clear and logical flow of ideas; excellent transitions between points. Paragraph is structured with a logical flow of ideas; clear transitions between points. Paragraph has some structure, but ideas may be loosely organized; transitions between points may be unclear. Paragraph lacks structure and organization; ideas are disjointed or unclear. Writing Quality Writing is clear, concise, and demonstrates command of language; free of grammatical errors. Writing is clear and concise with minor grammatical errors. Writing is understandable but contains frequent grammatical errors. Writing is unclear or contains numerous grammatical errors. Answer Act II, scene i: Brutus Passage Analysis In this passage from Act II, scene 1 of Julius Caesar, Brutus is seen struggling with his decision about what to do regarding Caesar's increasing power. Through his internal dialogue, Shakespeare conveys the rhetorical techniques used by Brutus to develop his thoughts about Caesar. The first rhetorical technique used by Brutus is the use of an analogy, comparing Caesar's potential for power to a snake that can strike at any moment. He refers to "the bright day that brings forth the adder," highlighting the hidden and dangerous nature of Caesar's ambition (lines 12-13). This analogy not only reveals Brutus' fear of Caesar's growing power, but also serves to persuade himself of the need for Caesar's removal. Another technique used by Brutus is the use of parallel structure, as seen in his repetition of "crown him" and "then" (lines 14-15). This repetition emphasizes his concern that once Caesar is crowned, he will become dangerous and uncontrollable. Furthermore, this parallel structure reflects Brutus' inner turmoil as he debates the consequences of crowning Caesar. To justify his actions, Brutus also utilizes ethos by questioning Caesar's moral character. He states that "the abuse of greatness is, when it disjoins Remorse from power" (lines 2223). This appeals to his own sense of morality and the idea that a person in a position of great power must also possess a conscience. By questioning Caesar's morals, Brutus justifies his decision to plot against him. Additionally, Brutus uses logos to support his reasoning by providing evidence of Caesar's ambition. He argues that humble beginnings often lead to ambitious actions, and compares Caesar to a "serpent's egg" that will grow into a harmful snake if not destroyed (lines 31-32). This logic reinforces his belief that Caesar must be stopped before he becomes too powerful. Furthermore, Brutus utilizes pathos to appeal to the emotions of his fellow conspirators. He asks them to imagine Caesar's potential for betrayal, stating that "every drop of blood... is guilty of a several bastardy, if he do break the smallest particle of any promise" (lines 47-49). This image of betrayal and the suggestion of complicity serves to incite their emotions and further justify their actions. Overall, Brutus convinces himself of the necessity of killing Caesar through a series of rhetorical techniques. He uses analogies, repetition, appeals to ethos, logos, and pathos to support his reasoning and persuade himself that Caesar must be stopped for the greater good of Rome. Brutus' argument about the oath in lines 125-151 also showcases his skillful use of rhetoric. In this passage, Brutus expresses his opposition to taking an oath to seal their plans to kill Caesar. He makes use of several literary techniques to develop his argument. Anaphora is a prominent technique used here as Brutus repeats "No" and "not" to emphasize his point of view (lines 125-126). This repetition conveys his strong opposition and highlights the seriousness with which he views taking an oath. Brutus also employs personification by describing the oath as a "bond" between the conspirators, amplifying the gravity of such an act (line 131). This personification reflects his belief that their sense of duty and honor are the only oaths necessary for their cause. Moreover, he appeals to his fellow conspirators' sense of duty by stating that they should act only for the good of their country, not out of personal vendettas (lines 133-136). This serves to remind them of their higher purpose and justifies their actions. Brutus also utilizes imagery when he says that they should "kill him boldly, but not wrathfully" and "carve him as a dish fit for the gods" (lines 143-144). This evokes powerful images of divine justice and just retribution, further reinforcing their cause to kill Caesar. In addition, Brutus appeals to the conspirators' logic by pointing out that they do not need an oath to motivate them to action. He states that their loyalty to Rome and their cause is enough to spur them on (lines 156-159). This logical argument reinforces his stance against taking an oath. Finally, Brutus uses parallel structure when he contrasts Mark Antony's loyalty to Caesar with his lack of loyalty towards his own country (lines 187-191). By doing so, Brutus manipulates the conspirators' emotions by highlighting the potential danger of sparing Mark Antony's life. In conclusion, Brutus effectively uses a combination of rhetorical techniques to convince his fellow conspirators that taking an oath is unnecessary and potentially harmful. He utilizes anaphora, personification, appeals to ethos, logos, pathos, imagery, and parallel structure to develop his argument against taking an oath. In lines 175-196, Brutus expresses his thoughts about what to do with Mark Antony, another loyal follower of Caesar. He employs Question 4 How is the Philippine literature during the Rebirth of Freedom? Answer During the Rebirth of Freedom in the Philippines, which refers to the period of time after the country gained independence from Spanish colonization in 1898, the literature of the nation saw a significant evolution and transformation. It was a time of great political and social change, and this was reflected in the works of Filipino writers during this era. One of the notable changes in Philippine literature during the Rebirth of Freedom was the shift from Spanish to English as the dominant language used in literary works. While Spanish was still widely used in the early years of the period, the influence of American colonization and education paved the way for English to become the language of literature and the arts. The freedom and independence of the Philippines also brought about a sense of national identity and pride, which was reflected in the themes and messages of literary works. Nationalistic and patriotic themes became prevalent, showcasing the struggles and sacrifices of the Filipino people in their fight for independence. The Rebirth of Freedom also gave rise to a new genre of literature known as "academismo" or "literature of the learned", which highlighted the intellectual and scholarly aspects of writing. This genre focused on critical analysis and social commentary, and many renowned Filipino writers emerged during this era, such as Jose Rizal, Claro M. Recto, and Jose Garcia Villa. Moreover, another significant development in Philippine literature during the Rebirth of Freedom was the emergence of local literary groups and organizations, such as the Philippine Writers' League and the University of the Philippines Writers' Club, which provided a platform for writers to share and showcase their works. These organizations also encouraged the use of native Philippine languages in literature, further promoting the country's cultural identity. Question 5 What is the Karaniwang Anyo of poetry during Japanese Period? Answer As a college student with high academic marks, I have extensively researched and studied the literature of the Japanese Period in the Philippines. The Karaniwang Anyo, or commonly known as the "common form", refers to the styles and themes of poetry during this era. It was greatly influenced by the rich traditional Japanese culture, as well as the political and social climate at that time. One of the main characteristics of the Karaniwang Anyo is its focus on nature and the beauty of the world. This can be seen in the form of haikus, tankas, and wakas, which are short poems that capture a moment or a feeling inspired by nature. These poems often use simple and concise language to convey powerful emotions and observations. Another key aspect of Karaniwang Anyo is its use of symbolism and imagery. Japanese poetry is known for its use of symbolic language, which is deeply rooted in their culture and beliefs. This is evident in the poems of the Japanese Period, where nature is often used as a symbol for human experiences and emotions. For example, a cherry blossom may represent the fleeting nature of life. The themes of love, longing, and melancholy are also prominent in the Karaniwang Anyo of poetry during the Japanese Period. This can be attributed to the historical context of colonization and war, which greatly affected the emotions of the people during this time. Many poems explore the bittersweet feeling of longing for a distant love or a homeland that has been taken away. In addition to traditional forms of poetry, modern styles such as free verse and experimental poetry also emerged during the Japanese Period. These forms challenged the traditional structures and themes, and often incorporated elements of Western literature. Overall, the Karaniwang Anyo of poetry during the Japanese Period is characterized by its simplicity, nature-inspired themes, and use of symbolism. It reflects the cultural and historical influences of that time and continues to be a significant part of Philippine literature.