Hi Alexandra,

May I begin by stating what an encapsulating poem you have written.

Your poem clearly mirrors elements of that of Dickenson’s and I love how you’ve included the ideas of nature and its ability to enrich, as well as the constraints of religion. These ideas have been masterfully demonstrated through the lines “As nature can be run by chance But humanity is tied to clergymen.”

I like how you have refrained from using grammar. It made the poem flow quite beautifully and made me as the reader feel as if I was part of the story.

However, my favourite aspect of the poem was how you “desired to convey the strength that can be observed in a small insect that transcends humans strength,” through the Phasmatodea. This was a beautiful idea and once again, I feel as if I am in the poem observing this insect with its “fluorescent green hands” holding “firmly to the branch.”

Really great job Alexandra. Not only have you produce a beautiful piece of writing but you have also taught me what a Phasmatodea is!

https://s00240376.wordpress.com/2019/09/01/emily-dickinson/comment-page-1/?unapproved=77&moderation-hash=57efa131d8e3444db845b6e6111eaa8f#comment-77

Hi Caitlin,

I found your blog this week to be really inspiring.

Despite the fact you struggle to write poetry, you put yourself out there and made yourself vulnerable. I believe every great writer whether it’s Pound, Eliot or Cummings has had to push themselves out of their comfort zone in order to produce something amazing.

I will start with your poem. Though not long in length, I still found your poem was effective in expressing its message. I can see your passion and concern for the environment seep through the words of your poem as well as your desire for others to share the same view as you, “yet I wish the others wouldn’t let her go.”

The image attached to your blog was also a great inclusion. It allows the reader to think and to be appreciative of all the things that the planet provides for us.

I also enjoyed reading about Williams and Pound and the era in which they existed. You explain the era as a time “characterised by exploring the boundaries of what could or couldn’t be considered art, music, dance or poetry which lead to numerous new movements being formed.”

Your knowledge of American Literature is evident in your blog this week, as well as your understanding of the different language techniques adopted by different writers.

 

Well done!

The others…

Hi Ethan,

I just want to start by saying that this is one of the most entertaining blogs I have read and I really hope there is a sequel!

You have encapsulated what I image Donald and Boris to be like to a T. You have a great sense of humour and creativity and the way you paint Donald Trump and his use of hand gestures creates vivid imagery for the reader. I like the motif of his hands and how they start off as “a wet pancake flopping in the wind”, this was gross but great, and then you proceed to describe his hands as “performing their signature gesture as if he were up against a brick wall.” This was a really great line, it was clever and creative and the use of the pictures throughout your blog added that extra element of humour.

I also really liked your title of “Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb”. It was a highly appropriate title that was fitting for the characters and once again added humour to your blog.

Well done Ethan!

“Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dumb”

Anna, may I just begin by saying what a powerful blog you have written.

From your very first line, you had the reader hooked as you ask them to ponder what it means to live deliberately. I also liked your response to this question, it was thoughtful and emotional. I could tell before I read about your car accident that you were someone who had endured a traumatic experience that allowed you to truly appreciate what it means to be alive.

You incorporate the content we have learnt in class really well, and demonstrate a thorough knowledge of Thoreau and his ideas. I enjoyed reading your analysis on the line “when I came to die, discover that I had not lived” and I wholeheartedly agree with your interpretation.

I like how you speak about pondering existential ideas such as, “questioning the meaning of life” and “whether or not [you’re] even doing it right as if there is a correct way to live.” You connect well with your audience here as these are universal thoughts that every individual stumbles across at some point or another.

The line “You do not truly acknowledge the frailty of life until it is almost taken away from you” was a very frightening but captivating line and I thank you for sharing this scary journey with me. It allowed me to realise just how quickly life can be taken away and how you must cherish being alive every moment you have.

To conclude your blog, you encourage your audience to live a life they are proud of and I think this is a really lovely sentiment to end with.

Well done Anna!

https://literaturewithanna.art.blog/category/american-literature/