Challenging Walls Tutorial

An Agricultural Wall

Introduction

The poem "Mending Wall" deals with neighbors, whose wall is broken by nature, people and animals. Though they have no relationships, the neighbors agree to meet once a year and repair (mend) the broken wall. The two have opposing opinions regarding the necessity of the wall. The poet thinks a wall is unnecessary, whereas his neighbor insists that "Good fences make good neighbors".

Mending Wall

Objectives

In this turorial, students will: Analyze the poem "Mending Wall" by Robert Frost. Identify the opposing views in the poem. Compare and contrast different walls. Post personal points of view regarding the "necessity" of walls in our lives. Suggest alternatives for walls.

The Poem

Reading

Read the poem Mending Wall by Robert Frost. Pay attention to the opposing views regarding the necessity of the wall.

Activities

Activity

Take a look at the following walls: The Great Wall of China The Berlin Wall The Separation Fence Pink Floyd's Wall Compare and contrast them with the wall in the poem. What is your conclusion? The Great Wall of China The Berlin Wall The Separation Fence Pink Floyd's Wall

Food for Thought

Question

"Good fences make good neighbors". Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Post your thoughts below.

Question

How does your knowledge of Robert Frost's background contribute to your understanding of the poem? Post your thoughts below.

Question

What is the double meaning embedded in the titles "Mending Wall" and "Challenging Walls"? Post your thoughts below.

Reflection

Reflection

Now that you have learned about the various purposes of erecting walls, and the different viewpoints regarding their necessity - how can you challenge extisting walls, and which alternatives can you offer? You may want to read The Peace Poem Post your thoughts below.

My Thoughts & Answers

Write your thoughts and answers here:

Feedback

• (: Excellent lesson, Hani. Mending Walls is one of my favorite poems. --Nellie Deutsch 16:34, 22 September 2009 (UTC))

(: Thank you. I guess it's Nellie. Could you please sign?--Hani 14:42, 22 September 2009 (UTC))