Found Poem Assignment
(50 points)
This assignment offers you the chance to demonstrate your knowledge of a novel in a
unique and creative way. You will have to pull together some of the characters,
symbols, important moments, and themes in order to gain a clearer understanding of
the work as a whole and the message(s) it conveys to the reader. To do this, you will
construct a found poem, a poem that you create using words and phrases found
within the novel. In other words, you will not be using any words of your own
(though you may include “a,” “the,” “or,” “here,” and “there,” in brackets to connect gaps,
or enhance the poem’s flow). You may also insert a character’s name (in brackets) in
place of a pronoun to enhance understanding and avoid confusion in your reader.
How does a found poem work?
A found poem is created first thinking about the work as a whole. Consider some of the
topics discussed in class.
For example, consider the following ideas in Fahrenheit 451:
 Themes/Bradbury’s message(s) to
 Characters
readers
 Changes in characters
 Value systems
 Relationships of husbands and wives
 Society
 Journey (figurative or literal)
 Symbols
What you will want to do:
1. Review your notes/study guide questions and other work done in class to decide on
a central idea.
2. Spend time searching through the novel for specific passages that connect to the
central idea. Write these page numbers down in your notes and for each
scene/paragraph you find, write down the most important sentences—those that will
connect best to your central idea.
3. Begin deciding which words and phrases in your sentences are most important.
4. Now spend time deciding which of these circled phrases you will use, in what order
they will be used, and how you are going to tie them all together.
5. Write a draft of your poem, placing the lines of poetry on the left of the page and the
page numbers where you found the words and phrases on the right side. You must
have a minimum of 25 lines, 3 stanzas.
Important tips to remember:
 Show, don’t tell—use words or phrases that convey an action, vivid description,
etc.
 Find words or phrases that include objects.
 Try to make unusual, fresh connections between words.
 Include parts of direct quotations to keep the poem active and engaging.
 Introduce your poem’s central idea and go somewhere with it…show how the
author moved and explored this central idea throughout the novel.
Due date: Friday, October 10, 2014
Your found poem must be posted to the blog page by the end of the day, and your hard copy
must be submitted in class.
Adapted from: www.fhs.d211.org/.../RaisinFoundPoemAssignment.doc
Found Poem Grading Rubric
/50 Points
A
B
C
D
F
10
8/9
6/7
4/5
0-3
Creative Composition: lines are well-chosen and creatively placed for a poem;
the order makes sense with appropriate shifts, focuses, and repetition; no
unnecessary repetition
10
8/9
6/7
4/5
0-3
One clear focus that travels throughout with strong quotes that match and a title
that reflects the focus or theme
10
8/9
6/7
4/5
0-3
Clearly divided stanzas that make sense for each section and the larger
theme/focus
10
8/9
6/7
4/5
0-3
Demonstrates true knowledge and understanding of the book
10
8/9
6/7
4/5
0-3
Proper Format
Typed, correct heading, title, minimum of 25 lines, minimum of 3 stanzas, written as
a poem (words and phrase drawn from the text), no misquotes/brackets used to
properly insert words/phrases not included in quote
Found Poem Draft/Prewriting
Focus of Poem:
Quotes (or start of quote)
Page #
Reaction/Mood of Piece (how it fits)