Benedict Whalen, Associate professor of English at Hillsdale College, discusses teaching lyric poetry in the classroom by emphasizing the essence of poetry as art, the balance between appreciation and analysis, and the importance of experiencing poetry without formal dissection. He advocates for a slow and detailed approach to teaching poetry, focusing on elements like tone, sound, and structure before interpretation.
Teaching poetry should prioritize holistic appreciation over immediate analytical dissection.
Memorization of poetry serves to internalize and appreciate the art form as a unified piece.
Deep dives
The Dangers of Capitulating to a Revisionist Culture
When the church revises the message of the Gospel to make it more appealing to modern ears, it suffers a decline. Departing from the entrusted gospel leads to a dilution of the church's core message. The shift towards making Jesus' kingship more palatable can result in a loss of the fundamental principles that the church is meant to uphold. This discussion emphasizes the risks associated with altering the core message of the church to align with contemporary societal norms.
Embracing the Complexity of Poetry Teaching
The podcast presents an in-depth exploration of teaching poetry, focusing on the essence of lyric poetry and its place in the literature classroom. It delves into the foundational elements of poetry, highlighting that lyric poetry is not merely a puzzle to be deciphered, but a form of art that engages language as its medium. The discussion emphasizes the intellectual and aesthetic dimensions of poetry, challenging conventional approaches to teaching poetry as a purely analytical exercise. By delving into the nature of poetry as a complete work of art, the podcast advocates for a more holistic and contemplative approach to teaching and appreciating poetry.
The Art of Poetic Communication Before Comprehension
The podcast emphasizes the concept that genuine poetry can communicate its essence before it is fully understood. Through examples like the analysis of Frost's 'Nothing Gold Can Stay', the importance of allowing poetry to make an initial impression without immediate analysis is highlighted. By encouraging students to engage with poetry through oral recitation and deep contemplation, the podcast advocates for a method that prioritizes experiencing the poem as a whole before dissecting its individual components. This approach fosters a deeper connection with the artistic integrity of poetry, instigating wonder and appreciation before delving into detailed analysis.
The Profound Impact of Memorization in Poetry
One of the key takeaways from the podcast is the significance of memorization in teaching poetry. Memorizing a poem is not merely an exercise in memory retention but a method to internalize and appreciate the entire work as a unified piece of art. By engaging in the oral recitation of poetry and encouraging students to memorize verses, educators can facilitate a deeper connection with the poetic form. This approach allows students to carry the poetic work within their intellects, cultivating a profound understanding and appreciation of the beauty and complexity inherent in lyric poetry.
Benedict Whalen, associate professor of English at Hillsdale College, delivers a speech on the methods of teaching lyric poetry in the classroom.
This is the seventh in a series of shows from presentations delivered at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar on the art of teaching children’s literature. The Hoogland Center is an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office and offers seminars in classical academics and pedagogy for teachers of any background.