Reference no: EM133555783

Based on the book The Rocking Chair by Abraham Moses Klein...

The central poem on Montreal is followed by a triptych (three poems) devoted to Mount Royal. While the first gives us a glimpse (and a feeling) of a winter landscape in which the poet's subjectivity makes only a fleeting appearance, the other two give childhood a strategic place. Comment briefly on the importance of childhood in these two poems and the collection as a whole. How does this represent Montreal as a multicultural city? 

Consider:

• Environment for young Montrealers
• Lookout: Mont-Royal 
  • Talks about boyhood
  • Positive perspective - Montreal, for him, is where everyone can be who they are 
  • Nature in the poem represents childhood innocence. 
  • The tone is lighthearted; adjectives, "fluffy white clouds," poems, metaphors, literary devices, and imagery are almost childish. 
  • Childhood as a strategic place (illicit compassion from readers; readers can relate)
  • Lots of descriptions, metaphors and literary devices
  • Photography as a symbol of childhood 
  • Childhood helps people understand the diversity of cultures and languages that surround them.
  • Children within the identity of Montreal?
  • To Montréal, Mont-Royal is a substantial monumental place, like the Eiffel Tower is to Paris.
  • Multiculturalism within the kids "other kids of other slums and races;"
  • Home will always be that childhood part of you.
    • You will go out and do things, but home will always be home. 
    • "Remembering boyhood, it is always here." 
    • The city represents who he is; Montreal will always express his childhood, even as he grows up.
    • Innocence of childhood (see the good)
  • Sentimental connections
    • The author was a Jewish minority anglophone.
    • Deep understanding of the unique position of les Canadiens and their struggle to preserve their culture, language and religion **COPIED FROM ONLINE***
    • Rich area, described in the second paragraph of the poem.