For this genre, I took the first page of The Great Gatsby and composed a poem by singling out specific words on a page from the novel that seemed significant to the overall theme of the novel. Although motivated in part by first instinct, these choices were also deliberate, and guided by the underlying goal of artistically expressing the book's conflicts and revelations. This method of creating "blackout poetry" or "found poetry" can be useful because it allows students to see poetic capacity within prose and other texts they encounter in their English classroom. Gaining exposure to poetry in this way also helps inspire students who are not necessarily confident enough writers to compose their own complex poetry, but who likely have the creativity and desire to produce something insightful and original.
"Blackout Poem" based on The Great Gatsby, page 1
Younger vulnerable years
Turning over in my mind,
Remember this world you've had.
Say more,
We've always understood.
Consequence,
Judgments,
Habit.
The abnormal mind in a normal person.
Secret griefs of wild, unknown men.
Confidences unsought--
Sleep.
Unmistakable sign, intimate revelation
Marred by suppressions.
Hope.
Afraid of missing, I forget.
Repeat.
Younger vulnerable years
Turning over in my mind,
Remember this world you've had.
Say more,
We've always understood.
Consequence,
Judgments,
Habit.
The abnormal mind in a normal person.
Secret griefs of wild, unknown men.
Confidences unsought--
Sleep.
Unmistakable sign, intimate revelation
Marred by suppressions.
Hope.
Afraid of missing, I forget.
Repeat.