WWI+Poetry+Jennifer+N.+Jenny+P.+Brian+M.

Introduction: (Jennifer Nam)

Although World War I was a gruesome, torturous life since 1914, it still didn’t stop the writers from expressing their innovative feelings. Several famous poems and proses are written during this period, and they are recognized as a valuable resource today to understand the life way back then. Poetry during World War I reveals clear voice in people, who had suffered with death and savagery. However it also consists of the pride of their home country and unification. The Great Wars substantially give poets inspirations in any generations and classes. We will be sharing few poems today that can provide you a better perception of the life back in 1914 to 1918. Our objectives for today's lesson are to understand the basic themes reflected in the poetry written during the World War I, and to observe how the World War I affected people's lives as shown in the poems.

1. *Video* (Brian Moon) WW1 Poem - "Dark clouds are smolding into red"

media type="custom" key="3253656"

2. *Photo Gallery* (Jennifer Nam & Jenny Park)

My only medals are the scars I've won in weary, peacetime wars, A-fighting for my little brood, To win them shelter, shoon and food; But most of all to give them faith In God's good mercy unto death.
 * "//Decorations//"** by Robert William Service

My sons have medals gleaming bright, Proud trophies won in foreign fight; But though their crosses bravely shine, My boys can show no wounds like mine - Grim gashes dolorously healed, And inner ailings unrevealed.

Life-lasting has my battle been, My enemy a fierce machine; And I am marked by many a blow In conflict with a tireless foe, Till warped and bent beneath the beat Of life's unruth I own defeat.

Yet strip me bare and you will see A worthy warrior I be; Although no uniform I've worn, By wounds of labour I am torn; Leave the their ribbands and their stars. . . Behold! I proudly prize my scars.

Background Music: (People Ain't No Good- Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds) media type="file" key="11 People Ain't No Good.m4a" width="81" height="81"

3. *Acting Out* (All) "//**The Happy Warrior**//" by Herbert Read (1893-1968)

Brian Moon: The Warrior Jenny Park: A well-killed Boche Jennifer Nam: Reader

Background Song: (Pain- Three Days Grace) media type="file" key="02 Pain.mp3" (Supermassive Black Hole- Muse) media type="file" key="01 Supermassive Black Hole.mp3"


 * His wild heart beats with painful sobs**, (say “thump thump”, tapping his heart)
 * His strin'd hands clench an ice-cold rifle**, (grabs a rifle)
 * His aching jaws grip a hot parch'd tongue,** (holds his jaw)
 * His wide eyes search unconsciously**. (looks around; panting)


 * He cannot shriek**. (holds his neck with both hands and try to scream but not)

Dribbles down his shapeless jacket.** (wipes his forehead; as if he is sweaty)
 * Bloody saliva


 * I saw him stab** (stabs Jenny Park )
 * And stab again (**stabs her again)
 * A well-killed Boche.** (Jenny Park dies)


 * This is the happy warrior**(He grins triumphantly; saying YEAH! With both hands up)
 * This is he...** (Jen Nam and Jenny Park turn their head to look at him weirdly.)

Conclusion: (Jenny Park)

The World War I affected people greatly on the way of their living and thinking. The major consequences of the World War I, such as death and poverty, are reflected in the poetry written during that period as we have learned today. We can see that most of the poems are related to soldiers and death. Many poems that were written during the World War I clearly showed that people thought they were going to die eventually from the war and therefore the poems often included the people's last wishes and wills before they die. The poems basically sound depressing and gloomy, and even violent. For example, one of the poems we have introduced to you today, "The Happy Warrior," reflects the scenery of a soldier at war fighting against other soldiers of another nation with violence. I hope all of you got a better understanding of how the poetry related to people's lives reflected during the World War I in today's lesson. Thank you!