compare the two poems from Clintons inauguration to the two poems of Obamas inauguration. We have already analyzed “On the Pulse of the Morning” so you are familiar with that one.
I have included links to each poem below and the videos of the three new poems at the bottom. The best thing to do is to watch the video while you read along with the poems and take notes.
“On the Pulse of the Morning” by Maya Angelou 1993
“Of History and Hope” by Miller Williams 1997
“Praise Song for The Day” by Elizabeth Alexander 2009
“One Today” by Richard Blanco 2013
This is four poems, so you can be broad as in comparing theme or tone (or both)
How are they similar and how do they differ?
You should still use specific support from each poem
What happened in America between 1997 and 2009? (One big event is 9/11 but there are others.) How are/were we changed as a country?
How do you think the events between 1997 and 2009 are demonstrated in the two Obama poems?
Use support from the poems
What is the relationship between turmoil (or instability) and art? You can use any references to add to your ideas but make sure you also use these poems to support your response.
