Discussion Questions for Unit 1

For Poems about Writing:

1. Margaret Atwood's poem "Spelling" makes a connection between writing and childbirth. Where are the moments you see her make that connection directly? And, why does she make this connection? How does it contribute to her overall argument in the poem?

2. In Elizabeth Bishop's poem "One Art," she makes a connection between writing and loss. How does she make this connection, and how does it contribute to her overall argument in the poem?

3. Adrienne Rich's poem "Diving into the Wreck" is full of visual images. Choose one that especially strikes you. What do you think is happening in this moment in the poem, and how does it connect to her overall point in the poem?