Directions: Step 1: Read and select one of the following poems by Tupac Shakur from the Rose That Grew Through Concrete: “Liberty Needs Glasses,” “When Ure Hero Falls,” and “Jada.” Interpret one stanza of the poem, making sure to explain Tupac’s use of figurative language, including metaphor, symbolism and allusions in each line of the poem. Step 2: After you have finished analyzing one stanza of the poem, describe in a brief paragraph what you feel are the main messages and primary purpose of the whole poem is? Also include, please how the poem made you feel including any references that you felt were particularly powerful. Make sure that your interpretation of this poem is as long as the stanza you analyzed, or longer. “Liberty Needs Glasses” poem by Tupac Shakur Excuse me but Lady Liberty needs glasses And so does Mrs. Justice by her side (Links to an external site.) Both the broads R blind as bats Stumbling thru the system (Links to an external site.) Justice bumped into Mutulu and (Links to an external site.) Trippin’ on Geronimo Pratt (Links to an external site.) But stepped right over Oliver (Links to an external site.) And his crooked partner Ronnie (Links to an external site.) Justice stubbed her Big Toe on Mandela (Links to an external site.) And liberty was misquoted by the Indians Slavery was a learning phase Forgotten without a verdict (Links to an external site.) While Justice is on a rampage 4 endangered surviving Black males I mean really if anyone really valued life And cared about the masses They’d take ’em both 2 Pen Optical And get 2 pairs of glasses “When Ure Hero Falls” poem by Tupac Shakur When your hero falls from grace all fairy tales R uncovered myths exposed and pain magnified the greatest pain discovered (Links to an external site.) u taught me 2 be strong but I’m confused 2 c u so weak u said never 2 give up and it hurts 2 c u welcome defeat (Links to an external site.) when ure Hero falls so do the stars and so does the perception of tomorrow (Links to an external site.) without my Hero there is only me alone 2 deal with my sorrow. (Links to an external site.) your Heart ceases 2 work and your soul is is not happy at all what R u expected 2 do when ure only Hero falls “Jada” poem by Tupac Shakur U R the omega of my heart The foundation 4 my conception of Love When I think of what a black woman should be Its u that I First think of U will never fully understand How Deeply my Heart Feels 4 u I worry that we’ll grow apart And I’ll end up losing u U bring me 2 climax without sex And u do it all with regal grace U r my heart in Human Form A Friend I could never replace
