Narrative Poem Workshop/ Preface of Night

Today, I will share with you some more examples of narrative poetry...through song!



The difference between a Foreword and Preface



Tone is the author's attitude toward his subject matter. While reading the preface of Night, identify his tone. Why does he have this tone---what's his purpose for writing Night?



Reciprocal teaching questions (modeling):

1. What is the main idea of this preface? (summary question)- this makes sure everyone is one the same page with the biggest idea/concept/theme of each section.

2. On page 9 (ix), what does Ellie when he says "It" was something elusive, darkly shrouded for fear of being usurped, profaned." (clarification question)-- this is a passage that I'm unsure of and want to bring to the rest of the group.

3. Why does Ellie refer to himself as merely a "witness" throughout the preface? (question of interpretation) These questions are author and me questions. Only ask these questions when you've given thought to how you would respond yourself.

4. What does Elie mean when he says he "trusted the silence that envelopes and transcends words," in reference to struggling with finding language to express his story? (question of interpretation)


5. Do books have the power to change the world? (open ended question) These questions are "on my own." The idea of the question is drawn from the text, but the answers don't have to rely on the text. They mostly rely on personal opinion.