Pre-reading - Mind map
In groups of four, look at the title of the anthology and create a mind map based on the associations you get from the title. There are numerous online tools for mind-mapping. Here is one that is simple to use http://www.text2mindmap.com
The 20th Century Man
1. What associations do you get from the title ”20th century man”?
2. Which word class/classes dominate the poem? How does this affect the style?
3. Violence/Destruction
In the left column, write as many verbs from the text as you can that can be placed under the heading of ”violence/destruction”
In the right column, write as many nouns from the text as you can that can be placed under the heading of ”violence/destruction”
4. What role does technological development play in the poem, and what is the lyrical I’s attitude towards this development?
5. In what sense does the poem address the theme of alienation?
6. The last line of the poem reads ”I – did – it” How do you interpret these lines? What did he do?
7. Searching the Web. What is the geographical location of the following place names, and which wars could they refer to?:
8. If we look at this poem as a prelude to the themes in this anthology, what do you expect it to be about?
Modern Warfare and Technological Innovation
In pairs discuss the following:
- How has technology changed modern warfare?
- How has modern warfare aided technological development?
- Do you see technology as something that generally benifits mankind, or is there a downside to technological development?
