ENG 295 Week 1 TEDTalks: Natalie Merchant—Singing Old Poems to Life Video Reflection

Hearing old poems spoken or sung is how many of us remember our first experience with classic children’s poetry. How does ‘hearing’ a poem transform the written word? Watch Natalie Merchant perform to experience the transformation of old poems into song.

Watch “TEDTalks: Natalie Merchant–Singing Old Poems to Life,” located on this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings page.

Consider the following:

• In this performance video, music enhances the spoken word. When listening to Merchant’s performance, what is your emotional response?
• Overall, do you think that the music complements the poetry?
• Would this performance have a similar effect on a child?

Discuss and respond to your peers throughout the week.