Blog 4: Reflection

In the short time of this class, I have learned many useful things for my life such as create and use a blog, learn about literature and poetry in English and seek information about a topic so interesting that is supernatural. All of these things are new to me but what is really difficult is to read poems in English, as my language is Spanish and poetry in both languages is totally different. For this reason I sometimes get confused, and I have to read a poem in English at least two, three, or even more times to understand it . However, I feel comfortable in this class because the professor has been flexible with the time given us to do a task, and he explains in detail what we must do to achieve a good essay. The use of the blog is excellent because the class is more didactic, and besides those students who are not very familiar with the blog have the opportunity to learn more about it. Plus, it helps both the professor and students in the aspect that they do not have to worry about papers, and I think it's important not to waste paper that we will throw it away, so we can contribute a little to not harm the environment. I also agree that my classmates leave comments about my blog because they can see better what I should improve, and I learn through my mistakes and the positive advices from my classmates. I hope this class continues like this, being so enjoyable and motivating all the students to do a good job.

Blog 3: Tone and Symbolism

Have you thought about the importance of stories and poems of fantasy? Some people might think it is immature or that it's a simply ridiculous thing for children. However, we forget the ability of the human being to imagine and be creative through fables, stories, poems and children's literature which make us dream and create an imaginary world filled with adventure. According to Sigmund Freud, "fantasy is a phenomenon inherent to though, as a mental activity that underlies the play of children and adult art". In my research about Dorothea Barth, the author of the poem "Broken Wings", I found a curious information about her childhood. Barth was born in Amsterdam, and she moved to the United States when she was nine years old. The dictionary soon became her friend, as she sought the meaning of a new and peculiar vocabulary of a language she had never seen in her young life. For that reason, Dorothea Barth loved literature and music, so that Dorothea is currently a recognized freelance writer that combines creative writing and musical talents to create wonderful fantasy poems. I personally chose the poem about fairies because it caught my attention in a way that is written and has a moral factor. In other words, this poem says although we have bad times, there is always someone who can help you to succeed and overcome all the obstacles.

The tone of a poem reflects what the writer wants to express through his writings, and the feelings can be defined. Some possible attitudes are pessimism, optimism, earnestness, seriousness, bitterness, humorous, and joyful. An author's tone can be revealed through choice of words and details. For instance, the writer may want you to believe that the beginning of the poem is in a deep of sadness and great joy at the end like the poem "Broken Wings".

The symbolism could represent a person, place or object which has a meaning in itself but suggests other meanings as well. In the poem "Broken Wings" are some symbolism such as bluer than the bonnets, summer, sky, bluebird, and bloom.

The tone and symbolism are essential part of any poem because they contribute to a better interpretation of the poem, story, or any other type of literature. In "Broken Wings" is easy to see how it reflects the tone and symbolism with metaphors, repetitions of certain words or comparisons that help in a better understanding and to decipher what the meaning of the poem is and what the writer Dorothea Barth really wants to express through her way of writing.

Getting out of the fantasy, this poem teaches us that in spite of that sometimes we do not have the same physical abilities that others will always be a time when we need help from someone and that person could give us this help in a difficult situation without interest. The fairy was having a big trouble without one of her wings, and fortunately she was able to fly again with the support of a mortal, a regular person who did not have the power as a fairy.

Blog 2: Fantasy Poem.

I chose this poem about fairies because from a very young age I liked the stories of fantasy which contains enchanted princesses, elves, fairies, witches and all that sort of things that include dreaming of a world full of adventure and magic. The fairies are connected with spells and incantations, as can be seen through some medieval stories. Also I like love poems and especially this poem is exactly what I wanted. I hope you like it!
I found this poem on Google.com and this is the link: http://www.fairiesworld.com/poems/?p=204

Image: http://jksalescompany.com/dw/fairies.html

Broken Wing by Dorothea Barth

In midland hills where cedars thrive,
A rare and wistful sight:
Her iridescence could not hide
A fairy shorn of flight

She sat beneath the morning sky,
Devoid of healing dew,
Though fawns had lately frolicked there,
Her spirit shimmered blue.

Bluer than the bonnets fair
That in springtime bloom,
Bluer than the berries round,
Unfairly-like her gloom.

For what could harm a fairy,
Whose essence is the light,
Whose joy reigns unencumbered
Through all the seasons bright?

Might I, mere mortal, intervene
To soothe her wing so torn?
My flute inspired by fairy song,
The notes aloft are born.

Bluer than the summer sky
Unmarred by threatening storm,
Bluer than the bluebird's call,
Notes match her fragile form

Then slyly did I change my song
To that which might enhance
A memory of brighter days,
A fairy circle dance.

Soon did she lift a luminous wing
As fairy tune danced on,
A gentle breeze enveloped her,
She shimmered, then was gone.

Bluer than the bonnets fair
That in the springtime bloom,
Bluer than the berries round,
Away the fairy's gloom.


This poem is about a fairy who is feeling very sad and painful because one of her wings was being torn apart and she could not heal it. The fairy was losing her powers and the light was essential for her life. So she could not fly with the rest of the fairies, and she felt lonely. Fortunately a very generous man helped her and when the fairy felt better, she flew looking more beautiful than ever in that shiny day.

About me

My name is Caroline and I am from Colombia. I have lived in New York City the last 2 years and I came to this city with a specific goal which is succeed in college and achieve all my future plans.