"Self-Portrait": Sample Lesson Plan
By Saara Liimatta
Today’s Objectives:
To begin our study of the poetry of Frank Báez by:
- Reading the poem “Self-Portrait” in Spanish and English, making note of the differences in the two versions
- Studying another translation of the poem, noting differences in the two translations
- Listening to Báez read “Self-Portrait” in Spanish
Determining to what extent this poem is confessional and whether or not it is actually a “self-portrait”
Review: What is confessional poetry? (3 minutes)
Confessional poetry is a style of poetry that emerged in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s. It's known for its focus on personal experiences, trauma, and the psyche. Confessional poets often wrote about taboo subjects like mental illness, sexuality, and suicide.
Characteristics:
- Personal: Confessional poetry is often autobiographical and uses the "I" voice
- Raw: Confessional poetry often includes unfiltered details about the poet's life
- Real: Confessional poetry is based on real events and people
- Direct: Confessional poetry uses colloquial speech rhythms
- Emotional: Confessional poetry often explores intense emotions and psychological experiences
Opening Activity: Free Writing (5 minutes)
Please write a poem entitled “Self-Portrait.” The poem does not have to rhyme, and there are no rules for how you write it, other than it has to be a poem. You will not be required to share your work with the class (unless you want to). This is just an exercise, and it will not be graded as content. It is just to get you thinking about the concept of a “self-portrait” in the form of a poem.
Poetry Reading Activity (15 minutes)
We are going to read “Self-Portrait” in English (two different translations) and Spanish. As we read the poem, first in English (two different translations) and then in Spanish, make note of any lines you would like to discuss. Also pay attention to differences you notice in the two translations, as well as differences between the Spanish and English versions of the poem.
Discussion (10 minutes)
What lines would you like to discuss?
What differences did you notice between the two translations of the poem? In what ways did those differences in translation impact the meaning of the poem?
What differences did you notice between the Spanish and English versions of the poem?
Listening to the poet read the poem (7 Minutes)
In what ways did listening to Báez read the poem change your experience of it?
What did you notice about the way he read the poem?
Reflection/Homework: On Toddle
Please reply to the following questions: (Remainder of the period)
What is the tone of the poem? What lines give you clues about its tone?
This poem is titled “Self-Portrait.” Do you believe that it is a true self-portrait? Why/why not? If it is not, then which lines made you question its “truth”? What is the purpose of those lines, in your opinion? What is the poet really trying to do here?
Can this poem be considered confessional, in your opinion? Why/why not? Defend your answer with at least one piece of evidence from the poem.
Homework: Read and annotate the remainder of the poems in the packet for Wednesday/Thursday.