10
-NiE ,
12 JULY 2017
ADVANCED
Coming of age
Novel
ANNE SCHRAFF writes a coming-of-age tale about 15-year-old Richard Knight whose preference for poetry, instead of sports and hunting, makes him appear poles apart from his father and brother, Gus. His love for nature and his belief in the sanctity of life make him reluctant to join them in their hunting activities. When Richard’s teacher introduces the class to the poetry of Joyce Kilmer, a well-known poet with The New York Times, Richard takes an interest. This is so because Kilmer feels the same way about nature and the sanctity of life. When World War 1 breaks out, Kilmer, although a man of peace who does not believe in war, volunteers for service in the army to fight for his country. This kind of courage intrigues Richard even more and he begins a correspondence with the poet. In time, this develops into a strong bond of friendship. Through their letters, they exchange thoughts on poetry and snippets of their lives.
Richard learns about the evils of war. He is also affected by what’s going on around him like the show of patriotism and the strong anti-German feeling in his community. As the correspondence continues, Richard matures and learns about true courage and the evils of discrimination and racism. When Kilmer is killed in the war, Richard is deeply saddened. In his grief, he writes a poem as a beautiful tribute to the poet. It is published in the local newspaper. One of the themes of the story is moral courage. Moral courage refers to the courage to stand firm in what you believe in, and to do what you believe is right even when there is a risk of adverse consequences. In the novel, Richard remains true to his love for poetry, although most of the people closest to him don’t think much of it. He is willing to stand up against criticisms by the people he loves the most, including his father.
The following is an extract from the novel Dear Mr. Kilmer. “Would any of you like to read some of my poems?” Richard asked. “I don’t think so,” his father said in a bland voice. “Never could see much use in that poetry stuff. If you want to do it, it’s your concern, not mine.” A wave of despair rushed over Richard. He looked hopefully toward his sister. “You know I’ve never been much of a reader,” Angie said. “I could read some of them to you,” Richard offered, trying not to sound like he was pleading. “I probably wouldn’t even understand them,” Angie protested. “I hate poetry,” Gus piped up. “It’s a lot of sissy stuff, as far as I’m concerned...”
NiE Activity 1 Critical thinking ● Identify
● Reason
Creative thinking ● Imagine
● Invent
Imagine that Richard’s family had given encouraging responses to Richard’s request. In groups of four, fill up the missing parts with some possible responses to show that Richard’s family are supportive of his interest in poetry. Use at least five words from The Star. When you have finished, read it out in class.
Problem solving ● Recreate
● Present
● Identify
● Reason
Communicating ● Oral
● Written
● Written
Collaborating ● Listen
● Aural
● Contribute respectfully
“Would any of you like to read some of my poems?” Richard asked. “………………………..,” his father said in a …………………… voice. “………………………………… ………………………………………………………………..............................................................................” A wave of ……………… rushed over Richard. He looked hopefully toward his sister. “……………………………………………………………………..,” Angie said. “…………………………,” Gus piped up. “……………………………………………………………………
NiE Activity 2 Critical thinking
Communicating
NiE Activity 3 Creative thinking ● Brainstorm
● Connect
Problem solving ● Question
● Present
Collaborating ● Contribute respectfully
● Compromise
Richard also displays moral courage when he stands up for his GermanAmerican neighbour, Hannah Schermer and her family, when they become victims of anti-German sentiment. Richard is the only one who signs his name on the card expressing sympathy for the Schermers. He also gives up the lead role in a patriotic programme to show his support for Hannah. Sometimes, you need to make sacrifices for something you believe in strongly but you need to be careful about making the right choices. In groups of four, look for a situation (article, report or picture) from The Star that would require moral courage to voice your opinion. You could be for or against the issue. Cut it out and paste it on a sheet of A4 paper. Discuss the issue in your group and then write a brief description of: ● the main point of the issue; ● why you are for or against the issue; and ● what you could do to make a change.
When you are done, present your work to other groups who will have to provide comments or suggestions.
Critical thinking ● Identify
● Reason
Creative thinking ● Brainstorm
● Connect
Problem solving ● Question
Communicating
● Present
The poet Joyce Kilmer volunteers for service in the army to fight for his country even though he doesn’t believe in war. This shows his spirit of patriotism for his country. There are many other ways that one can show patriotism for their country even when there is no war. In groups of four, look for four people (in the form of pictures or names) from The Star. These personalities should be people who demonstrate the spirit of patriotism for their country. Cut out their pictures or names and paste them on a sheet of A4 paper. Write reasons for your choices next to them. Then, create short messages of encouragement for them. Display your work on the classroom walls before doing a gallery walk.
● Oral
Collaborating ● Contribute respectfully
EXAMPLE Picture, name or profession
Message of encouragement
● Written
Reason
● Attain goal