“I Am A Rock” - Self Metaphor Lesson SWBAT: understand Simon and Garfunkel’s use of metaphor to evoke self; understand narrative of song; create a metaphor for self; use pattern of song to create a self metaphor song/poem Aim: How does “I Am A Rock” portray its speaker’s state of mind and point of view? Do Now: Create a list of objects that represent you right now. Why do these objects connect to you? What do they reveal about your state of mind right now? Mini-Lesson: Annotation/Explication Annotation is the process of marking up a text. You can mark up a text for any purpose. When we read poetry, it’s a good idea to mark a few things: patterns or interesting vocabulary; questions; visual or sensory imagery. The idea is to have a written conversation with the poem. Talk to it. Ask questions, make sense of things. Though we are listening to a song, a song is essentially poetry set to music. Show model of “The Road Less Taken” Collaborative Annotation Practice: Play “I Am A Rock” and ask students to annotate. Trade papers with a partner. This time we will annotate another person’s poem. Play song again. Trade papers back. Look at what was written. Discussion: What did you notice about the song? Discuss annotations. Use the following questions to move towards the Aim: What is the state of mind of the speaker? How do you know? What images or metaphors does the speaker use? What do these images evoke or reveal? Does the song tell a story? How does it tell that story? What happens in each
verse?
How does “I Am A Rock” portray its speaker’s state of mind and point of view? Mini-Lesson: Creating chorus Let’s go back to our Do Now responses. Think about your state of mind today. How do you feel? Now, skim through your writing and do some goldmining. Find an item that speaks to you and would make a good chorus. If you do not find an item you like, brainstorm. Focus on your state of mind today. Are you empowered? Depressed? Smart? Overwhelmed? Student Work with Teacher Help Mini-Lesson: Creating narrative
Look at how Paul Simon creates the narrative. He first sets the scene. He uses the winter (maybe as a metaphor) for the state of mind he is in. Then he begins to go back in time and show you why he feels that way. He does not, however, clearly tell you what happens. He alludes to it (“friendship causes pain”). Can you try to create a narrative that reveals your state of mind? Student work Writing mini-lessons might focus on rhythm, rhyme, pattern, or use of figurative language
I Am A Rock By Paul Simon (Performed by Simon & Garfunkel) A winter's day In a deep and dark December; I am alone, Gazing from my window to the streets below On a freshly fallen silent shroud of snow. I am a rock, I am an island. I've built walls, A fortress deep and mighty, That none may penetrate. I have no need of friendship; friendship causes pain. It's laughter and it's loving I disdain. I am a rock, I am an island. Don't talk of love, But I've heard the words before; It's sleeping in my memory. I won't disturb the slumber of feelings that have died. If I never loved I never would have cried. I am a rock, I am an island. I have my books And my poetry to protect me; I am shielded in my armor, Hiding in my room, safe within my womb. I touch no one and no one touches me. I am a rock, I am an island. And a rock feels no pain; And an island never cries.
Ms. Healy – English Songwriting Rubric, “I Am A Rock” Criteria
A
B
C
D
Structure
Song includes a
Song includes all
Song is missing
Song is
central metaphor,
but one required
two structural
incomplete.
a chorus, three
structural
elements.
verses and a
element.
bridge. The point of
The point of
The point of
The point of
view of the song
view of the song
view of the song
view is unclear.
is clear and the
is clear and
is inconsistent or
voice performing
consistent,
somewhat
the song sounds
though may not
unclear.
authentic and
ring true to
true.
listener.
Use of
In addition to the
In addition to the
Two examples of One or no
Figurative
central metaphor,
central metaphor,
figurative
examples of
Language
more than three
three metaphors,
language are
figurative
metaphors,
similes or images
present in
language.
similes or images
are used to evoke
addition to the
are used to evoke
the mood or
central metaphor.
the mood or
character. These
These may not
character. These
add to the mood
be helpful in
support the
or understanding
understanding
central metaphor
of character.
character or
Point of View
of the song and
narrative.
move the narrative. Narrative
The narrative of
The narrative of
The narrative of
The narrative is
the song is clear,
the song is
the song is
unclear. The
highlighting the
mostly clear with
muddled in
chorus and
key issue or topic
the chorus
places, but the
verses do not
well in the
highlighting an
song is on topic.
reveal a key idea
chorus, moving
idea and verses
Either the chorus
and move
through
discussing the
does not
through a
reasoning or
idea in detail.
highlight the
narrative.
action in the
The sequence
main idea or the
verses and using
may not be
verses do not
the bridge to
logical or may be
move the listener
build tension.
repetitive.
logically through the action or
ideas.
Overall Grade: ________ Comments: