The Migration of Bar-Headed Geese
Ten Poems for Critical Analysis : Answer the questions
1. Do these poems seem recent, or do any seem “old fashioned?” Name any that seem “old fashioned” and BRIEFLY tell why.
2. Do you think any of these were written a woman? Which ones? Why?
3. Do you think any of these were almost certainly written by a man? Which ones? Why?
4. Do any of these stand out for technical skill? (NB: you may not care for a piece, but recognize that it required considerable ingenuity to write.) Succinctly explain your answer.
5. Do any of these poems directly address one or more of The Great Themes? Name the poem and the theme addressed.
6. “The Dream of Chuang Tzu” treats the philosophical problem of personal identity related to subjectivity and objectivity. What does the poem say to you about this?
7. The “battle of the sexes” is usually taken to refer to the perception of gender roles, but there may be some innate psychological aspects to “being male” or “being female” that contribute. Do any of these pieces treat that directly, or is it implied in one or more? Explain!
8. How would you explain the message being relayed by “The Migration of Bar-Headed Geese Over the Himalayas?”
9. Which poem or poems did you like best? As far as you are comfortable saying so, why?
10. Which poem or poems did you like least? As far as you are comfortable saying so, why?
SUBSTITUTE QUESTIONS
9a. If you like poetry but didn’t like any of these, as far as comfort allows, explain why.
10a. If you don’t like poetry at all, as far as comfort allows, try to explain why.