Found Poem: Things Fall Apart
Don’t think you can write poetry? Think again! Found poems are created by selecting
words, phrases, or quotes from the novel. So, it’s not totally your own writing, but it’s a
way to interact with the text you are reading and to create something beautiful with
words.
First…
Think about the meaning you want to get across
Then…
Find words, phrases, or quotes from the book that highlight that meaning
Then…
rearrange them in poetic form.
Your aim is to create a poem that captures the mood or essence of the novel (or a part of
the story). You may want to provide new insight for the reader. End your poem by using
“arranged by” and your name since the words are not your own. Here is an example:
I won’t Dance – don’t ask me
I didn’t feel like it.
You want to know the truth?
I NEVER DANCE!
It wasn’t anything physical
I can’t understand
How the hell should I know why?
Arranged by A. Student
The following is a found poem that student arranged from To Kill a Mockingbird.
This is a truth
that applies to the human race,
yet to no particular race of men:
You never really understand a person,
until you consider things from his point of view,
climb inside of his skin,
and walk around in it.
One thing that doesn't abide,
by majority rule;
a person's conscience.
It was times like these
When;
you rarely win,
only children weep,
the dead bury the dead,
one does not love breathing,
and there’s just one kind of folks:
folks.
I don't pretend to understand,
Why reasonable people,
go stark raving mad,
simply because they're still human;
that the one place,
where a man ought to get a square deal,
is in a courtroom,
be he any color of the rainbow.
It was times like these,
That,
food comes with death,
flowers with sickness,
and little things in between;
two soap dolls,
a broken watch and chain,
a pair of good-luck pennies,
and our lives.
It made me sad.
Yet delete the adjectives,
and I'd have the facts;
it's a sin to kill a mockingbird.
Arranged by A. Student
Your Task:
Create a found poem from an assigned chapter of the text Things Fall Apart that
demonstrates your understanding and interpretation of key concepts in the novel.
Requirements:
1. Poem must be at least 10 lines.
2. You must use exact words and phrases from the text (in other words, you may not
add your own words – although you may eliminate words as needed)
3. Your poem should have a creative title
4. Include “Arranged by your name”
5. Poem should be typed and professionally presented on 8-1/2 x 11 – mounted on
colored poster paper with an accompanying, relevant image. (see me if you need
poster paper)
Rubric
Focus on theme
Use of details
Clear, consistent
tone
Image
Professionalism
TOTAL
/20
4
The entire poem is
related to the
themes of the
novel. The idea(s)
presented in the
poem demonstrate
critical thinking.
The poem uses
effective details
from the original
prose that go
beyond the
obvious or
predictable.
The poem
maintains a
consistent tone
that clearly and
effectively
communicates the
writer’s attitude
toward the subject.
The poem is
accompanied by a
relevant and
effective visual that
is creative and
stands out.
Overall, the work is
presented neatly
and flawlessly.
3
Most of the poem
is related to the
themes of the
novel. The poem
wanders off topic
at some point or
loses its focus and
is too general.
The poem uses
effective details
from the original
prose.
2
Some of the poem
is related to the
topic, but the
majority of the
poem is general or
on another topic.
1
No attempt has
been made to
relate the poem to
any of the ideas or
themes of the
novel.
The poem uses
obvious or
predictable details
from the original
prose.
The poem does not
use details from
the original prose.
The poem
maintains a
consistent tone
that usually
communicates the
writer’s attitude
toward the subject.
The poem
maintains a
consistent tone but
does not effectively
communicate the
writer’s attitude
toward the subject.
The poem does not
maintain a
consistent or clear
tone.
The poem is
accompanied by a
relevant and
effective visual.
The poem is
accompanied by a
visual, but it is not
necessarily
relevant.
The poem is not
accompanied by a
visual.
Overall, the work is
very good with one
or two areas
needing
improvement.
Overall, the work is
acceptable.
Overall, the work
does not
demonstrate effort.