"SONNY'S SONG"
TASK 2: Walt Whitman
Life:  The powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse.

What will your verse be?

       - "Dead Poets                Society"
"I sound my barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world."
       - "Song of         Myself", 52
In Task 2, we are going to examine the life and work of Walt Whitman.  I would like you to read excerpts from Walt Whitman's famous poem:  "Song of Myself."  You will be reading "Song of Myself," numbers 50 and 52.

            PART 1: CLICK HERE FOR THE LINK TO "SONG OF MYSELF"

Please print these out for future reference.

Please note that on the bottom of the page of "Song of Myself" there is a link to a reading of "Song of Myself."  Since poetry is meant to be read aloud, not just read in silence, I would like you to check out this video of a reading by John Doherty, just a regular guy who was struck by the beauty of Whitman's poem.

              PART 2: CLICK HERE FOR THE LINK TO THE VIDEO

*Note: You will need RealOne Player to view this.  To download RealOne Player, click here.
Now I would like you to read a biography of Walt Whitman's life.

           PART 3: CLICK HERE FOR WALT WHITMAN'S BIOGRAPHY.

Do you notice any similarities with James Baldwin's life?

These biographies are not required to write your essay.  However, I want you to read them to discover that although these two authors are different, they may have had parallel experiences that inspired them to write about similar themes in their own unique way.
Part 4: Listen to these sound bites from the film "Dead Poets Society."  Then email me your responses.  What did these sound bites make you think about poetry?  Are you anxious to learn more? SOUND CLIP ONE (The "Huddle Speech")

SOUND CLIP TWO ("Words and Ideas Change the World")

SOUND CLIP THREE (Walt Whiman is a "Sweaty-Toothed Madman")
Click HERE to go       to Task 3
Email me your answers at [email protected].
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