Friday, April 3

Today we will look at and discuss Edwin Arlington Robinson's poem "Richard Cory."

EQ: How can a poem show us different types of emotions?
Aim: What types of irony can we see in "Richard Cory?"
Do Now: What do you consider important in life? Love? Money? Career? Something else?

Poem available here: http://www.bartleby.com/104/45.html

Classwork: We will read the poems aloud and discuss the following questions:
What perception of Richard Cory is developed in the first three stanzas?
What words contribute to the impression?
Who is the poem's speaker?
What makes the poem's final line surprising?
What type of irony is used in the poem?
What is the theme of the poem?

We will also discuss Simon and Garfunkel's version of "Richard Cory" (lyrics available here: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/s/simon_and_garfunkel/richard_cory.html )
You will compare and contrast the two versions and answer the following:
What remains the same in the poem and the song?
What has been changed? What is the effect of the changes?
Which piece makes a stronger statement? Why?
How does the musical score enhance the irony?

One handout you will need: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dfrxjvg8_9cjq4f3h2