Poetic Verbal-Visual Collage
After a brief discussion of some terms related to imagery and symbolism, you will
examine a range of poems to discuss the effective use of imagery and symbolism in
poetry as a way of coming to a greater understanding of how the poet creates meaning
in the work:
In this assignment you will create a verbal-visual collage of the poem you chose to
illustrate its use of symbolism or imagery. It should consist of both words and images
that best illustrate how the imagery and symbolism transforms the everyday. The point of
this visual collage is not that you depict each image or symbol exactly. Rather, it is
important that you capture their essence in a collection of words and illustrations
arranged on the page in a pleasing and creative fashion. Consider using Powerpoint or
Prezi. The length of the collage will be not more than 10 slides.
Choose ONE of the poems below. You will find all of these poems on the University of Toronto Library's
Canadian Poets Website.
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2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Joy Kogawa "Where There's a Wall" "
Anne Michaels "Women On a Beach"
Susan Glickman "Poem About Your Laugh"
Margaret Avison "Crowd Corralling"
George Elliot Clarke "The Wisdom of Shelley"
PK Page "Motel Pool"
Consider the poet's use of imagery or symbolism to transform the everyday into something unique.