*Strange Fruit

Strange fruit was a poem written in 1937 by a teacher named Abel Meeropol. Many singers have performed it as a song - most famous is Billie Holiday's version.

Read the poem below and listen to Billie Holiday's version. Then write a text where you explain what you believe the poem is really about. Give examples from the poem. Write at least half a page.

Strange Fruit

Southern trees bear strange fruit
Blood on the leaves and blood at the root
Black bodies swinging in the southern breeze
Strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees

Pastoral scene of the gallant south
The bulging eyes and the twisted mouth
Scent of magnolias, sweet and fresh
Then the sudden smell of burning flesh

Here is fruit for the crows to pluck
For the rain to gather, for the wind to suck
For the sun to rot, for the trees to drop
Here is a strange and bitter crop

This is homework for 10EF for Monday September 7th
This is homework for 10 CD for Monday September 7th

*Meet Langston Hughes

This is Langston Hughes. He was born in 1902. He is a famous poet, writer and playwright.

HW:

1) From what you have learned about American history, what was the USA like in 1902 for black people? Write a short text. Use specific vocabulary. (Ex: civil war, segregation, equality)

2) Read this short text about the Harlem Renaissance. 

3) Watch this film.

3) Describe in your own words what the Harlem Renaissance was and why Langston Hughes played an important part. 1/2-1 page.

10CD for Wednesday 9th of September
10EF for Wednesday 9th of September

*Symbols in literature

One of the keys to writing good literature and poetry is not to state everything clearly, but to use symbols for the reader to find out and give his own interpretation. This however, means that you as a reader have to read between the lines to find out what the poem or story is about.

We want you to read this text about symbols. Spend time to make sure you understand most of it.

This is homework for 9CD for Monday 20th of October.
This is homework for 9EF for Tuesday 21st of October.

*Meet Tupac Shakur

Many of you have heard about Tupac Shakur. He is mostly known under his artist name 2pac. He was (and still is) a well known rapper. In addition to this he also wrote poetry.

Watch the short biography here.

Read the poem "The rose that grew from concrete" in Perspectives Magazine. Write a short text (half a page) about what you think this poem is about. How do you think this links to Tupac`s life and what`s your opinion on the poem. Bring the text to class!


This is homework for 9CD for Wednesday 22nd of October.
This is homework for 9EF for Thursday 23rd of October.

*Thank You M'am

Meet Langston Huges. Langston wrote novels, short stories and poetry during a time when African Americans were expected to stay segregated from whites. But Langston was positive and believed that if you just kept going , you would overcome any obstacle.

This week's short story is a real treat. "Thank you M'am" is a wonderful story, and we can't wait to hear what you think about it.

Read "Thank You M'am" and make sure you understand all the words. Be prepared to talk about the story.

This is homework for 9CD for Wednesday 15th.
This is homework for 9EF for Thursday 16th.

Treat: Here is a wonderful poem by Huges, about overcoming difficulties and not give up.

*Chief Seattle`s letter

There are many versions of the text you are reading this week. This is one of the shorter, easier versions. We have been talking about money for several weeks now, but the truth is, there are so many things money cannot buy.


Read this letter. While you read you should answer the following questions:

• What is Chief Seattle`s message?
• What does this text tell us about the Native American`s way of looking at life and nature?
• How did this philosophy become a conflict with the new settlers?

Read the text. (If you like you can listen to it here.) Learn all the words.

This is homework for 9CD for Monday 15th September.
This is homework for 9EF for Thursday 18 September

*Cinderella

In addition to writing the most fantastic children's books and short stories, Roald Dahl also writes poetry! This week we want you to read his hilarious take on the famous fairytale about Cinderella.

Read the poem here. Do not worry if you don't understand all the words, Roald Dahl tends to make up his own words sometimes.

If you would like to listen to it while you read, follow this link. It might be helpful.

This is homework for 8CD for Wednesday 19th of March.
This is homework for 8EF for Tuesday 18th of March.

Optional: Here he has a go at Little Red Riding Hood as well. Enjoy, it is so funny!