Why do writers choose the language they do? Here's a resource that has the poet himself answer that very question. Joseph Coelho explains why he chose the words and images he used in his poem, "If All the World Were Paper."

Concepts

poetry analysis, figurative language, poetry writing

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Additional Tags

english language arts

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Instructional Ideas

• Read portions of Coelho's comments to the class so they can hear his explanations
• Post the poems about the room then bind them into a book for the classroom library

Classroom Considerations

• Although referenced in the packet, George Herbert's "The World" is not included; however, it is available online

Pros

• The lesson is designed by the poet and provides insights into his writing processes and choices
• Young poets use Coelho's poem as a model for their own "World" poem

Cons

• None