University:
Bradley University
Course:
ENG 101 | English Composition
Academic year:

2021
Views:

478

Pages:

2
Author:

Hallie Randolph

Poem Argument Practice Directions: 1. Read the poem and analyze. 2. Answer the guiding questions to help identify the argument the poem is making. Poem Choice #2 “White Lies” by Natasha Trethewey Guiding Questions Your Ideas (in bullet points or complete sentences) Speaker: ● Who is speaking? An adult women Occasion ● What is the context that prompted the writing? (Think: why did the poet write this?) She wanted to tell people that there is no reason to lying Audience ● Who is this piece directed at? Everyone Purpose ● What does the author want you to think or do as a result of reading this? They want you to stop lying, because you gain nothing from it Subject: ● What is this poem about? ● Is something specific that this poem focuses on? ● Why might that focus be important? White lies, yes, because lying may or may not help you, or the person Tone ● How does the author feel about this subject? ● How is the language being used? (Is it literal or figurative; They are disappointed in themselves, due to the fact her mother caught her lying and she is disappointed in her as well Think of the author’s tone here as well and any connotations/ denotations that stand out) Form: ● How does the form work to reflect or develop the meaning? (Consider line breaks, stanzas, repetition, etc.) Now that you have read through the poem... 1. What do you think the poet’s argument is? 2. Do you agree or disagree with this argument? Why? It helps by telling people that after you lie, you get regret in your life, and it'll always come back to you 1. Why lie, when you can tell the truth 2. I agree because lying, doesn't get you anywhere, and if you lie, your more likely to get in trouble then telling the truth