'See and Learn': intertextuality in the teaching of poetry

Sharma, Saumya (2018) 'See and Learn': intertextuality in the teaching of poetry. Language and Language Teaching, 7 (1). pp. 42-46. ISSN 2277-307X

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Abstract

Although much research has been done on how to teach poetry, yet tutors at the school and/or college level broadly resort to the following methods: focussing on the meaning of the text, its inherent theme and symbolism; providing a general paraphrase for the verses; elaborating on the figures of speech employed by the poet and the imagery they evoke; the stanza form and rhyme scheme; and detailing the background of the poet and his times. Instructors are fearful about teaching poetry, which is often considered an ineffectual exercise (Linaberger, 2004). This is because interest in the reading and writing of poetry is synonymous with literary high culture (Benton, 1984),which demands a niche audience to appreciate and interpret it. Moreover, although the words "creative art", "imagination" and "vividness" are associated with poetry, there seems to be a discrepancy in the actual practice of its teaching, as the emphasis is mainly on conveying the meaning of the poem rather than teaching its appreciation to the learners. Likewise, owing to its special syntax and their explanations, the teaching of poetry can more often than not become a mere mechanical, meaning-decoding exercise. In my paper, I will attempt to revive imaginative interest in poetry teaching by arguing in favour of the use of visual art in teaching poems, as a supplementary pedagogical practice to the already established ones. I will support this claim through the analysis of Tennysons' poem "The Lotus Eaters" and the study of a painting depicting the poem.

Item Type:	Articles in APF Magazines
Authors:	Sharma, Saumya
Document Language:	Language English
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Intertextuality, art , analysis, colours.
Subjects:	Language
Divisions:	Azim Premji University - Bengaluru > University Publications > Language and Language Teaching
Full Text Status:	Public
URI:	http://publications.azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/id/eprint/1909
Publisher URL:

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