A Native in the Land of Poetry

In 2019, Joy Harjo became the first Native American United States Poet Laureate, advocating for Native languages and cultures through (a)  

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Joy Harjo is a prominent figure in contemporary American literature and a leading voice in Native American (a)  

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Character Analysis in Joy Harjo's "Remember

Read the poem "Remember" by Joy Harjo. Then, answer the questions to learn more about the person speaking in the poem (the narrator).

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1. Who is the narrator in the poem?
Write 1–2 sentences to describe who is speaking and what kind of person they seem to be.

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2. What kind of person is the narrator?
List at least two traits (like caring, thoughtful, or connected to nature) and give examples from the poem that show these traits.

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3. How does the narrator’s background as a Native American shape the poem?
What do you notice about how the narrator talks about nature, family, and the land?

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4. What is the main message of the poem?
What do you think the narrator wants you to remember or feel after reading the poem?

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Read the poem "Eagle Poem" by Joy Harjo. Use the poem to answer the questions below about its key elements.

1. Where does this poem take place?
Look at the words in the poem that describe the place. Use phrases from the poem to help you explain the setting.

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2. What pictures or images do you see in your mind when you read this poem?
List two lines or phrases that help you picture something clearly or feel an emotion.

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1. Drawing Connection:

   • Can you connect to the narrator’s message in the poem?
     Think about a memory, family tradition, or something special about where you come from.
     Write about how it reminds you of the poem.

2. ✍️ Sentence Starter: Drawing a Connection

   I think the narrator’s message is to remember where you come from and to stay connected to nature and your family. This reminds me of a time when ____________________________________________________________.

   It is important to me because ____________________________________________________________.

   This connection helps me understand the poem better because ____________________________________________________________.

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1. 3. Discover the Metaphors:

   • Can you find a metaphor in the poem?
     Write one example. What two things is the poet comparing, and what do you think it means?

2. 4. Discuss the Structure:

   • How is the poem written or organized?
     Look at how the lines are broken up or grouped. How does this structure help you understand the poem’s message or feeling?

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1. 5. Reflection on the Theme:

   • What do you think the main message (theme) of the poem is?
     What does the poet want you to learn or remember?
     How does the poem make you feel about that message?

   Optional Sentence Starter:

   I think the poem is about _____________________________________.
   It made me feel _____________________________________ because _____________________________________.

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