poetry presentation

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 4

Individuality 

by Amine and Firass

 "In a world where everyone wants you to be the same, staying true to yourself is a challenge."

Explaination

 Childhood: Life is carefree and simple. As children, we embrace our uniqueness without hesitation.  Adulthood: Growing up introduces pressure to conform. We feel compelled to fit into societal norms and expectations.

    * Struggle: Society often rejects those who dare to be different, forcing individuals to hide their true selves behind masks of conformity.

    * Importance: Embracing individuality adds richness and depth to society, fostering creativity and innovation.

    * Resisting: Despite societal pressures, it's essential to fight for authenticity and refuse to compromise our true identities.

    * Embracing: True fulfillment comes from embracing our differences and living authentically, even in a world that values conformity.

• Metaphor:

"We become fools of our society..."

"Obscure becomes abnormalities, hidden away as blasphemy."

• Hyperbole: 

"No rough edges are permitted here in this place of virtuities."

                    Literary terms 

• imagery: 

"From our emergence out of child, sun-dappled, sweet -meloned childhood..."

• Alliteration:

 "Sticking to the 'popular' game - Just searching for some plaudity."

• personification: 

"This world breeds insecurity."

Literary terms 

- Climax

- Plot twist

The exposition in the poem lies in the description of the journey from childhood to the responsibilities of reality, setting the stage for the exploration of societal pressures.

The rising action unfolds as the poem delves into the societal expectations and the individual's conformity to the "popular" game.

The climax is reached when the poem describes the individual being "crushed by the weight of increasing uniformity," representing the pinnacle of societal pressure.

The falling action involves the consequences of conforming to societal norms

this  leads to a resolution where individuality is lost and only "traces of flesh and bone" remain.

My opinion 

Childhood vs. Adulthood

Contrasts the  nostalgic, carefree childhood with the challenging responsibilities of adulthood.

Critique of Conformity

Explores the poet's criticism of societal norms and the pursuit of popularity, often overshadowing authentic self-expression.

Metaphorical Imagery

Highlights powerful metaphors like being "crushed by the weight of increasing uniformity" to depict the suffocating impact of societal expectations.

Hidden Authenticity

Describes the suppression of unique qualities, termed "abnormalities" and "blasphemy," emphasizing societal aversion to diversity.

Masked Existence

Discusses the concept of living behind masks of conformity, resulting in a gradual loss of individuality.

My opinion

• I really like this poem because it makes me think about how hard it can be to be yourself in a world where everyone expects you to be the same."
• "The words and images in the poem are powerful and help me understand the feeling of being trapped by society's rules."

• "It reminds me to stay true to who I am, even when it's difficult."

• "Overall, it's a great poem that makes me reflect on how important it is to be authentic.

which of the following sentences is a metaphor used in this poem?

1. This world breeds insecurity
2. obscure becomes abnormalities, hidden away as blasphemy
3. Loneliness: a silent shadow in the heart's solitary journey.
4. No rough edges are permitted here in this place of virtuities.

where in the plot structure of the poem is described that the individual is being "crushed by the weight of increasing uniformity,"?

1. rising action
2. falling action
3. exposistion
4. climax

Why does the poem emphasize societal pressure?

1. To highlight the challenge of staying true to oneself in a world that values conformity.
2. To suggest that societal pressure doesn't have much impact on shaping who we are.
3. To show how people can easily fit in with society without facing difficulties.
4. To imply that the key to happiness lies in always following the crowd.

How can individuals maintain their individuality?

1. By completely isolating themselves from society, avoiding any influence or interaction.
2. By resisting conformity and embracing their unique qualities.
3. By pretending to be someone they are not, adapting to various personas depending on the situation.
4. By conforming strictly to societal expectations and norms, suppressing any uniqueness.