Analysis: "Bronx Masquerade" poem by Devon Hope

Analysis: "Bronx Masquerade" poem by Devon Hope

Bronx Masquerade text excerpt Nikki Grimes

Objectives:

9-10.RL.1.A.Draw conclusions, infer and analyze by citing relevant and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.

9-10.W.3.A.c.Conventions of standard English and usage: Demonstrate a command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage including spelling and punctuation.

"Open Mike"

• Nikki Grimes uses this phrase to introduce the poems.

• Interesting spelling and capitalization...

• Opportunity for students to reveal the person behind the mask.

Think like a teacher:

Poem titles give the reader a clue as to what the main idea of the piece is about. In this case, Bronx is literally the location and Masquerade is a false show or pretense.

https://languages.oup.com/google-dictionary-en/

https://languages.oup.com/google-dictionary-en/

Open Ended

Now that you know what you know, why did Devon title his poem "Bronx Masquerade"? Use text evidence and correct writing conventions in your answer.

Think like a teacher:

Read the poem 3 to 5 times. Ask yourself what is the writer wanting me to know? Consider the literal language, figurative language, narrative, and how the poet used punctuation.

Open Ended

Who is the speaker? How is the speaker feeling? Use text evidence and correct writing conventions in your answer.

Line by line

• Literally, Devon is exhausted from keeping up this pretense of a basketball player.

• He uses this opportunity to reveal who he truly is to his classmates.

• He challenges his peers to see him from his perspective, not theirs.

Open Ended

Why does Devon use Open Mike time to reveal to his classmates that he is more than a basketball player? Use correct writing conventions in your answer.