Monday, September 9, 2013

Today, we discussed what is meant by natural and constructed worlds. I have pasted the notes below. I then handed out the poem "Two Prisoners" and asked you to answer some questions (also pasted below). Finally, I gave you a list of literary terms you need to learn in this unit. If you were not here, they are in your portfolio.

The Natural and Constructed World

 

What is meant by natural?

·                     Things that occur without man-made influence.

o   Honey

o   Cows (animals that are not genetically modified)

o   Streams

o   Air

o   Sun

o   Trees/forest/plants (that are not genetically modified)

o   Baby crying/need for affection/emotions/ basic needs

 

What is meant by constructed?

·                     Man-made or man manipulated.

o   Genetically modified food

o    Books

o   Buildings

o   Schools

o   Furniture

o   Clothes

o   Dams

o   Vehicles

o   Art

o   Laws

o   Rules

o   Societal norms

o   Prejudices

o   Fashion

o    Hierarchy (age, position, gender, ethnicity, location)

 

Why should I care?

Much of our world is constructed. Sometimes, it is constructed to favour some of us. At other times, it is constructed in a way that is detrimental. Knowing the world is constructed means we have the ability to evoke change. In fact, all we have to do is look back a decade or so to see that this indeed occurs.

 

Questions to address in relation to the poem "Two Prisoners"

1.  How is this world in “Two Prisoners” constructed?

2.  What are the problems with it?

3.  Summarize the poem in your own words.