"Curiosity" Activities

Maddie Dahl: March 19th, 2008

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1. The reknowned Chilean poet Pablo Neruda was a friend to Alastair Reid, and Reid often translated Neruda's work. Compare and contrast each poet's use of cats in his poetry. Do not be afraid to develop your own interpretation of each poem. Examine each poet's interpretation of cats and what each poem conveys . What do the cats symbolize in each poem? Why would Neruda and Reid use cats in order to convey their meaning? What other animals could they have used?

Pablo Neruda: "Cat's Dream"

Alastair Reid: "Curiosity"

 

 

 

2. Examine how Reid's bohemian lifestyle relates to "Curiosity." How is their relation evident? Why would his family and friends scorn his lifestyle? Does Reid's lifestyle appeal to you? Why or why not? If it appeals to you, what challenges would you face if you were to pursue a bohemian lifestyle?