Complete the following on pages 89-90: Exploration 1 and Exploration 2 - Essay Example

These three poems employ different means to convey a similar message. Although they use different words and forms of expression, these writers describe a similar kind of knowledge that gives power to individuals and that is knowledge of self, individuality. The claim in each of these three poems is that the ability of a person to understand themselves, their strengths and weaknesses gives them the power of courage, wisdom and insight. These will guide them through all of life’s obstacles. We have insight to help you see the world clearly, wisdom to aid in you daily decision making and courage to get you through your fears.

One can stay strong through anything with these. In the poem “Crazy courage” by Alma Luz Villanueva, this claim is shown to us through the character, Michael. He shows that those who have knowledge of self have pride in everything they set out to do and will not be deterred. He had courage and was, therefore, able to display his both his male and female sides with pride and confidence. He did not fear what others thought of him which an exemplification of true individualism. ‘He came to the poetry class first dressed as a man then a woman in a miniskirt, tights and high boots and not just a man in feminine looking clothing’.

This showed that he was confident of who he was thereby executing his role despite the negative sentiments from his classmates. He knew who and what he and therefore had no problem dressing as the other sex. This is also evident when the writer says “and what it was, I think, was his perfect poise and contribution of his living, red rose to the perceptive to the blind, to the amused, to the overwhelmed, to those who would kill him and to those who will love him”. He shoes this controversial character to everyone alike without fear of those who would judge him.

He is the embodiment of a man with the power of knowledge of self. He shows no fear of judgment, immense courage as well as insight. The claim that knowledge is power can be seen in the poem “much madness is divinest sense” by Emily Dickinson. In the first two lines of her poem, the writer says, “much madness is divinest sense to a discerning eye.” This means that only those with real insight can see sanity where there is madness. She goes ahead as saying, “much sense-the starkest madness.

” She means that those who know themselves have sight and can see the world for what it is. Only the person with individuality can surpass the judgments and should do what is right by them without fear. She tells us that those people we believe are sane could be the most insane. The author shows logos in the line “to a discerning eye – much sense – the starkest madness”. She means that once you know yourself then your eyes will open and you will see the world clearly. They decide whether one is sane or insane.

Pathos on the other hand is displayed when the author reveals how the majority are quick to judge who is sane and who is not, in the lines “assent -and you are sane – demur – you are straight away dangerous”. She tries to make the audience see that everyone has the power to decide who they are. The claim on knowledge and individual power can be seen in Langston Hughes’ poem “Theme for English B” written in 1900. He shows self-awareness throughout the poem in that he is aware of where society has put him.

The author shows that he is aware of his limited knowledge when he says, “