Lyric Poem. A lyric poem is a verse that reveals the emotions of a speaker and does not tell a story. In the poem you are about to read, the speaker explores the different emotions a song can create in both the singer and the listener.
Allusion. An allusion is a reference in literature to something famous. The thing referred to may be a person, an object, an event, a work of art, a literary work, or anything else that is well known. “I Ask My Mother to Sing” contains many allusions to China. Create a cluster chart like the one below. As you read, add around the center circle details that you believe might be allusions to China.
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- The Summer Palace is outside of Beijing, the capital city of China. It was built in the twelfth century ad for the imperial family of China to live in during the summer months. The architects chose a good spot for summer weather—right near the shores of Kunming Lake. At first, the Summer Palace was just a single building, but as the years passed, the imperial family added more and more buildings, gardens, and other beautiful structures. The British and French actually set fire to the Summer Palace in 1860 during a series of wars with China. Since restored, the Palace today is an important landmark and tribute to Chinese culture that many people visit.
- Traditional forms of Chinese music sound quite different from Western forms. One form of Chinese music associated with the city of Beijing, or Peking, is known as Peking opera. Peking opera combines theater and music with dance and acrobatics. The performers wear detailed costumes and some wear masks. The main male character sings in a low voice, while other male characters sing in a falsetto, or voice much higher than the natural voice. Female characters sing in an even higher falsetto.
What stories from your family’s history do you enjoy hearing?
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