“The Fish”:
In this poem, the speakeris the voice used by the author/poet of the poem; it is often a created narrator rather than the author/poet him/herself.
After you have read the poem, consider the following:
“Sometimes beauty can be seen in the oddest or ugliest of places or objects.”
- What does the speaker find “beautiful” about the fish?
- Which lines provide especially vivid details about the fish?
- How and where does the speaker show her feelings about the fish? What details make the fish seem almost human? (reference specific lines)
- How is the fish characterized; in other words, what kind of “personality” does the fish have?
- Re-read the last 12 lines. Why do you think she let the fish go?
“Everyday Use”:
How should we honor and transmit our familial, cultural, and religious legacies to our children and future generations when society continues to encourage and perpetuate stereotypes. Each of us probably belongs to a race, religion, culture, socioeconomic class, or ethnic group which is negatively defined by stereotypes. While this is a sensitive issue, share how you think we can overcome these stereotypes to strengthen our identities and pass on traditions and cultural practices without prejudice. You may address this topic personally or generally.
