Poems from Different Cultures Teacher-of-English.com Night of the Scorpion Poems from Different Cultures

Social & Historical Context Examination Preparation Slide Contents Author Social & Historical Context What is it About? Structure Language Examination Preparation Links

The Author

Nissim Ezekiel Nissim Ezekiel was born in Bombay to Jewish parents in 1924. He was raised in a Hindu culture and was influenced by atheist views. As a Jew living in a Hindu society Ezekiel was something of an outsider. ‘Not being Hindu I cannot identify myself with India's past as a comprehensive heritage or reject it as if it were mine to reject’. He wrote about modern India and the little mysteries of everyday life.

Social & Historical Context

Reincarnation The Hindu belief in reincarnation is apparent in Night of the Scorpion. This is the idea that when individuals die the spirit leaves the body and is reborn into a new body. A person’s new self on reincarnation is determined by the good (or bad) things he or she has committed in his or her preceding life. The spiritual aim of Hindus is to cleanse themselves in each new life so that finally they will attain moksha – freedom from the sequence of reincarnation when the spirit returns to the everlasting tranquility of the divine Brahman.

What is it About?

Brainstorm what you know about scorpions Brainstorm what you know about scorpions. Use a spider diagram to help you organise your ideas. Where they live appearance Scorpions How they live What you know about them Things you associate with them

Superstitions Superstition Meaning Smashing a mirror Many people are superstitious. This means that they have beliefs for which they have no logical rationalization. An example of such a superstition is that walking under a ladder brings bad luck. In pairs, list any superstitions that you know of. Superstition Meaning Smashing a mirror Brings 7 years bad luck

Discuss your findings with another pair. Superstitions Which superstitions do you act upon? What do you do? Do you believe in them? Why do you act upon them? Discuss your findings with another pair.

Night of the Scorpion story book A story book version of this poem is going to be made for five year olds. The poem will be used as the narrative for the book. Choose and describe up to six pages that you think should be included in the book. Decide how you will tell the story in only six pages and include images from the poem. You could record your ideas in a storyboard like the one below. An example of a possible opening page has been done for you. I remember the night my mother was stung by a scorpion

What Happens? Lines What is happening? 1 - 7 There are three main parts to the poem. Do you know what they are? The first one has been done for you Lines What is happening? 1 - 7 The scorpion comes into the home to escape the rain and stings the poet’s mother 8 - 33 34 - 48

Structure

Staying Focused This is a narrative poem, it tells a story. Using the first person gives the feeling that it is told from personal experience. The focus of the poem moves about which conveys the way the narrator observes the scene. Complete this table to show how the focal point of the poem changes. Lines Focal points 1–7 36–40 8–15 41–3 16–33 44–5 34–5 46–8

Structure How are the last three lines of the poem structured? Why do you think the poet has done this? Explain your answers in detail. In my opinion Nissim Ezekiel has chosen to write the last three lines separate from the rest of the poem to show…. I also believe that…..

Language

Contrast Timid Dangerous Many images of the scorpion contrast in the opening lines of the poem. Find examples of each and add them to the columns below. Timid Dangerous

What does the imagery suggest about them? Look at the description of the village peasants. What does the imagery suggest about them? The Images Notes on the images they ‘came like swarms of flies’ they ‘buzzed the name of God’ They threw ‘giant scorpion shadows /on the mud-baked walls’ They ‘clicked their tongues’

The poem uses three types of language. Language Features The poem uses three types of language. First Person : The poet uses ‘I’ and writes from his own viewpoint. This suggests that the event was a personal experience. Despite the excitement and fear the tone is quite calm and factual. Child’s Perspective : We see events through the eyes of a child. The child is confused and fearful. Religious language : The village is a devoutly Hindu community where they believe in reincarnation. They talk of ‘previous birth’ and ‘new birth’.

Poetic Techniques Match the technique with the correct definition. Technique Definition Metaphor The use of the same sound at the start of words Alliteration A figure of speech not meant literally Onomatopoeia a comparison between two different things, especially a phrase containing the word 'like' or 'as Simile A word which imitates the sound it represents

Poetic Techniques Match the technique with the correct definition. Technique Definition Metaphor The use of the same sound at the start of words Alliteration A figure of speech not meant literally Onomatopoeia a comparison between two different things, especially a phrase containing the word 'like' or 'as Simile A word which imitates the sound it represents

Poetic Techniques Technique Evidence Effect simile Think about the poetic techniques discussed on the last slide. Copy down the chart below. Find examples in the poem and write down the effect created. Technique Evidence Effect simile ‘like swarms of flies’ metaphor Alliteration onomatopoeia

Feelings and Attitudes The child is afraid but admires the bravery of his mother. His father and the villagers panic and hastily suggest religious remedies to help. The poet seems to see the villagers as impractical and almost irritating which suggests the poet is critical of religion.

Examination Preparation

The Examination Paper You will have 45 minutes to answer the question. You will be asked to compare two poems. You should begin by annotating the question for the key words. This will help you to understand what you are being asked to do. E.g. Compare the ways in which the poets present people in Night of the Scorpion and one other poem of your choice.

Planning Spend between 5 and 10 minutes making a plan. This will help you to order your essay logically. Make a note of any key ideas you are going to include. Leave at least 5 minutes at the end to read through your work and check for any basic errors.

Structure A good answer should: Write in paragraphs. Don’t forget to P.E.E! Using a range of quotes that are properly embedded within your answer. Begin with an introduction and end with a conclusion. There main body of the essay should follow these five steps to make a good answer: Write a bit about the theme Compare the structures of each poem Compare the use of language in each poem Compare the feelings of the poets Write about how the poems make you feel.

Refer back to the question repeating the key words from it. Making Connections Use a series of comparisons, using connectives to link ideas, both within paragraphs and between paragraphs. Similarity Connectives Equally In the same way Similarly Likewise Just as…also Contrast Connectives In contrast However Whereas (best used in the middle of a sentence) On the other hand Refer back to the question repeating the key words from it.

gives the impression that Analysis Use the following words to link your Point -> Evidence -> Explain sentences. The use of these words will also help to ensure that your response is analytical. suggests implies gives the impression that shows highlights indicates To make the same point using a different example, try one of these: furthers emphasises reinforces

Recap When you are comparing poems you will be asked to look for the similarities and the differences. You should comment on the language they use. What poetic devices are present? Imagery, similes, metaphors, alliteration, onomatopoeia, personification, rhyme etc. What effect do they have on the reader? You will need to comment on the structure of the poems. How are they set out? Does this add to their overall effect/meaning? Consider the tone of the poems. What mood has the author created?

Links

Useful Stuff Night of the Scorpion short films: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=DAZ4YZlBYk4&feature=related http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=QOPIkYmI5_0&feature=related BBC Bitesize Poems From Other Cultures: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english/poemscult/ezekielrev2.shtml

More Useful Stuff Annotated PPT version of Night of the Scorpion with notes & questions http://www.sprowstonhigh.org/resources/english/KS4/Poetry/Poetry%20From%20Other%20Cultures/AQA%20poetry%202.ppt#299,16