Tasks: Chicago
Here are a variety of tasks to the poem "Chicago" by Carl Sandburg
Comprehension Questions:
Who/what do you think is referred to as "you" in the poem?- List the names that Chicago is recognized by in the poem.
- In which ways is Chicago brutal?
- Why do a lot of people criticize Chicago?
- How does Sandburg defend his city?
- What is "the painted women under the gas lamp" all about?
- How do the young people reveal that they are proud of their city?
Grammar Task: Noun or Adjective?
The poem contains many nouns and adjectives. By doing this exercise, you'll get familiar with significant words in the poem and their word classes.
Discussion Questions:
Look at Carl Sandburg's biography. What makes him a "typical" second-generation immigrant in the late 19th century?- Sandburg was attached to his home town. Are you proud of yours? Why or why not?
- Where do first-generation immigrants feel that they belong? What about their children?
- America is a nation of immigrants. Does this help newcomers feel more at home? Compare to Norway.
Literary Analysis:
- Chicago is personified in many ways in the poem. Give examples.
- The poet compares his favorite city to a dog: "Fierce as a dog...". What do we call this literary device? Which effect do these comparisons have?
- Make a table with two columns. In the first column you list all words with positive connotations and in the second you list words with negative connotations.
- How does Sandburg reveal his commitment to workers and immigrants in 'Chicago'? How do you as a reader respond to Sandburg's message?
- What do we call words that are associated with sounds? How many "sound words" can you find? Give examples.
Relatert innhold
CC BY-SASkrevet av Eli M. Huseby.
Sist faglig oppdatert 14.04.2020