Q & A

Walking into class as the bell rang JD saw a few familiar faces Blossom giving her a warm smile. Thomas his roommate giving him a nod. Jack and of course Ashly with a nod JD could only wonder how she got into the class with Jack. The new girl Rose and Sam her friend which he did not know them.

Ms. Davidson seemed a bit scatterbrained as she taught the class. In the eyes of the students she was a typical teacher who didn't seem to care much for her looks as she dressed down instead of up. It was not hard to believe she was still single by her appearance. So it was no surprise she was a bit annoyed as a few students showed up late. She sighed every time a student showed up late as she was forced to repeat her directions over and over again which got old fast. The students didn't see it being a problem since they were not bothered by the fact they were late or disrupting the class. To the students it was amusing, but to Ms. Davidson it was annoying and disrespectful. However she knew it was going to happen so she remained patient and continued her class. The pop quiz was mostly for getting an idea what the students remembered or forgot over the summer. It was a nice participation grade to start the year.

Meanwhile Jack was annoyed and scowling as Ashley was sitting on his left and smiling at him now and then as he took his quiz. He didn't know how she managed to get a similar schedule to him, but it irked him to no end. Of course Ashley was on cloud nine as she was next to Jack and noticed several other familiar faces in the class besides Blossom. She planned on making many friends with as many people as she could so it would easier to spy on Jack when she was not around. She knew how to use the rumor mill to her advantage and had already planned the seeds of friendship by simply being a cheerleader. He easily finished her quiz and turned it over. Blossom was humming a hometown hymn in her head as she took up her quiz.

Once the class finished the easy quiz they turned them in and Ms. Davidson began reading pages of poetry.

Ms. Davidson: Today we're going to take a look at Dylan Thomas' "Do not go gentle into that good night," one of the most famous poems of the 20th century. Not only will you have a handle on the poem's overall message, but you'll also understand the most important techniques Dylan Thomas uses to convey that meaning to the reader. Just like with a novel, play, or short story, knowing a little bit about an author can help you better understand their work. While there's no way you can learn about every important author ever, you should definitely know a bit about a few of the major players in the literature world.

Some students moaned and sighed as they heard the word poetry. It was obvious they were not big fans of language arts to begin with. Ms. Davidson cleared her throat and continued anyway.

Ms. Davidson: Thomas, unlike many poets, had the fortune of being both well-known and well-acclaimed during his lifetime. His poetry collections were critical hits, and he participated in multiple tours—both domestically and abroad—to talk about his work.
And yet, despite his success, Thomas found it difficult to make a living from his poetry alone. Along with securing the funding from wealthy patrons, Thomas also wrote and recorded pieces for BBC radio, and he performed in BBC radio dramas as well. Thomas even dabbled in film and scripted at least five movies. So before you mutter any snide comments, do keep in mind he was already successful when he was your age.

A few students muttered snide comments under their breath only to get a glare from Ms. Davidson and a clearing of her throat. Hoping to avoid getting sent to the Headmaster on day one they stopped talking.

Ms. Davidson: "Do not go gentle into that good night" by Dylan Thomas
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Ms. Davidson looked around to see what expressions the class had before she spoke again.

Ms. Davidson: So who here understands what this poem is describing?

Ashley raised her hand with a big smile. Ms. Davidson looked for other hands before she called on Ashley.

Ms. Davidson: Yes miss...………...Bendinger?

Ashley: My father told they use that term a lot in his work.

Ms. Davidson: And what work is that?

Ashley: Acting and stuntman stuff.

Ms. Davidson: Good then so then enlighten us then.

Ashley: Well it is a reference to a man who refuses to go down without a fight, even when he knows the odds are real bad. So he fights against the odds and struggles to prevail.

Ms. Davidson: Very good Miss Bendinger.

Ms. Davidson: Anyone else?

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