Critical Reading Assignment
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Modesto Junior College *
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11
Subject
English
Date
Apr 3, 2024
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docx
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2
Uploaded by maazhafeji22
1 Who is the speaker in this poem? What kind of person is she?
Helen Knott, a woman and a indigenous activist, author, and social service provider from the Prophet's River, appears in this spoken word work. She openly defines herself as Dane-zaa, an
indigenous group which speaks Athabaskan, and is recognised for her resilience and anticipation for her ancestors. Knott grows into an outstanding advocate for indigenous people's
independence in Canada. 2 To whom is the speaker speaking, or in other words, who is the audience?
In the poems the speaker, Helen Knott, strongly outlines this unresolved responsibilities and she
talks about the indigenous populations living in the land. Her point of view is directed for alot of people, and as she directly mentions in her poem saying to Justin Trudeau, the Canadian Prime Minister, that stated "Hey Justin, there is some words I've been trying to get off my chest" 3 What are the situation and setting in time (era) and place?
The poem is mostly set against the backdrop of nature. Helen Knott addresses a mountainous scene with shelters, a burning fire, and evidence of tree clearance for modern development. It symbolizes the difficult relationship between Canada's indigenous people and the state, similar to current challenges.
4 What is the purpose of the poem?
The poem has been organised to communicate indigenous peoples' power and perseverance in
their quest for equality, but also acting as a direct appeal to the Canadian government to take act in fulfilling promises made to the indigenous population.
5 State the poem’s central idea or theme in a singular sentence.
The core topic is around campaigning for indigenous rights and seeking government action, exposing the unfulfilled promises and challenges that these communities face throughout Canada. 6 Describe the structure of the poem. How does this relate to content?
The poetry has a well-organized framework, which enhances the meaning. The visual components and nature-focused location successfully underline the ongoing hardships of indigenous populations, enhancing the impact of the text.
7 What is the tone of the poem? How is it achieved?
The tone of the poem is defined by a combination of upheaval and steady determination, which Helen Knott achieves via her passionate delivery. Her bold comments, surrounded by nature, express genuine concern and a strong will to fight for justice and equality. 8 Notice the poem’s diction. Discuss any words which seem especially well-chosen.
Knott's powerful phrases, such as "ancestors' living memory," "resilience," and "promises," ring true, depicting the indigenous community's strong cultural links, challenges, and unfulfilled obligations.
9 Are there predominant usages of figurative language? What is the effect?
To increase the emotional depth of the poem, it employs many types of figurative language, such as metaphors, images, symbolism, and personification. For example, the analogy of "ancestors' living memory" works as a metaphor for cultural relationships and history. The evocative details, such as "shelters, a burning fire, and evidence of tree clearance for modern development," provide a dramatic picture, illustrating the friction between indigenous peoples in Canada and the government. The community's resilience is embodied by the usage of symbols,
such as sage smoke spreading prayers across valleys and plains. Personification, in which nature speaks for the indigenous peoples' struggle, heightens the poem's emotional impact. Similes and references strengthen the story by creating similarities with natural elements and historical circumstances, enhancing the depiction of indigenous experiences. These metaphorical aspects increase the emotional resonance and underlying ideas of the poem as its
entirety.
10 Explain the use of any sound devices and whether or not they aid in conveying tone or theme.
The poem makes effective use of rhyme and rhythm to improve the flow and tone of the message. These speakers help in communicating an indigenous community's issues and needs
to a larger audience.
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