The Courage That My Mother Had by Edna St. Vincent Millay and The Funeral by Gordon Parks both describe characteristics that the poets admired in their parents. What do you feel is the most admirable trait a person can possess? Why?
As a group, create a letter to Dear Abby that reflects a problem arising from a conflict either in the workplace (either employee or employer) or in college. As individuals, read and respond to one letter from a group other than your group’s entry. Write your name, screen name, time, and date of your response on a piece of paper and hand in to Mrs. O’Hara as soon as you write your response.
In her poem, Pat Mora discusses what it feels like to her to be Mexican-American. Do you believe that our society prejudges immigrants? Do we make certain assumptions about people from other countries? Do we treat immigrants from one country different than we treat immigrants from another country? Are there some immigrants that are more likely to be prejudged than others?
In his poem, Robert Frost talks about choosing a “road less traveled by.” What problems might arise from making this choice in life? Are there benefits to making this choice?
We recently read a poem “The Lesson of the Moth” that discusses how one should live one’s life. What is your reaction to the poem? Should one be a moth, a cockroach, or some combination of the two?
UPDATE: John Batteiger, a news editor for the San Francisco Chronicle, created and edits the DonMarquis.com web site where readers can find a copy of “The Lesson of the Moth.” - APowell
