I'm sure the ladies thought that they were sincere; it just wasn't the most effective form of compassion. Mrs. Merriweather, when talking about them, was crying "Oh child, those poor Mrunas...the poverty...the darkness...the immorality...I made a pledge in my heart. I said to myself, when I go home I'm going to give a course on the Mrunas." She seems sincere enough; weeping and pledging. Too bad she spends the rest of the time back-biting and subversively deriding almost everyone and everything the rest of the meeting.

The Magic Box' is a rich and suggestive poem, full of marvellous textures, sights and sounds which you would not normally be able to put into a box of any sort. But, this being a magic box, anything can, and will, go in. Children understand this straight away. Having said that, I think it's worth reading out loud twice to your class before asking them to comment on it because the language is so full of exciting possibilities.

In my experience of teaching it the stanza containing the subversively muddled 'fifth season and black sun' provokes most initial comment, which is a good starting point for a discussion on poetry's ability to make us look at the world with fresh eyes .

Literature often provides insight into human experiences, emotions, and relationships, helping us better understand ourselves and others in everyday life. By reading literature, we can gain perspective, empathy, and new ways of thinking that can enrich our interactions and decision-making. Additionally, literature can inspire creativity and curiosity, leading to personal growth and self-reflection.

If I had to guess, I would say republican. Every article I read on their site, refers to President Obama as Mr. Obama which to me is a major insult. The man is the President, call him President. You don't call a doctor Mr. Phil, its Dr. Phil....b!tch

Satire in literature uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize societal issues, often through the lens of fictional or exaggerated characters or situations. By presenting serious issues in a comedic or exaggerated light, satire can engage readers and prompt them to think critically about the underlying problems being highlighted. It allows authors to address sensitive topics in a more digestible and engaging manner.