Exploring the Text

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  1. Characterize the speaker of “in Just-.” Try to describe him or her in as much detail as possible.

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - Characterize the speaker of “in Just-.” Try to describe him or her in as much detail as possible.
  2. What games does this poem play with rhythm? Look especially at the spacing, or lack of spacing, between words. What is the effect of the rhythmic changes?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - What games does this poem play with rhythm? Look especially at the spacing, or lack of spacing, between words. What is the effect of the rhythmic changes?
  3. E. E. Cummings is known for his unconventional punctuation and typography. Identify the ways that the arrangement of the words functions as punctuation.

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - E. E. Cummings is known for his unconventional punctuation and typography. Identify the ways that the arrangement of the words functions as punctuation.
  4. According to critic Albert C. Labriola, “in Just-” is grouped with poems called “Chansons Innocentes,” an allusion to William Blake’s Songs of Innocence and its partner Songs of Experience. What aspects of the poem do you consider innocent? What parts are more about experience?

    Question

    ALMF/kS1zzW73MouRsoXk1h0lKY=
    Exploring the Text: - According to critic Albert C. Labriola, “in Just-” is grouped with poems called “Chansons Innocentes,” an allusion to William Blake’s Songs of Innocence and its partner Songs of Experience. What aspects of the poem do you consider innocent? What parts are more about experience?