Lord of the Flies: Two-Voice Poem Assignment
You will write a two-voice poem for Ralph and Jack. The purpose of the poem is to analyze
the similarities and differences in their thoughts, emotions, philosophies, and desires about
the same issue. (You’d be surprised by what beliefs they share.)
Here are some questions/ideas to consider as you write the poem:
On what points do Ralph and Jack mostly agree? Never agree?
How does each boy feel about being on the island? Rules? Rescue? The beastie?
How do Ralph and Jack differ in their leadership styles? Priorities?
Here is an example of a two-voice poem: “I Heard it on the Bus One Day” by Jeff Sapp
1
2
I drive the bus
everyday.
3
4
5
6
7
8
Are you getting on or not?
9
10
11
12
13
One day
I was driving
and this woman
I tell her to get up and let the white man sit.
She doesn't move.
Get to the back of the bus.
Every day.
I ride the bus
everyday.
I get on and pay.
I move to the back.
Every day.
One day
I was riding
and this sister
She doesn't move.
14 That's when it all started.
That's when it all started.
15
16
17
18
19
Holt Street Baptist Church
Montgomery, Alabama
Martin Luther King Jr.
started
The Movement.
Montgomery, Alabama
That Black preacher
started
trouble.
20 We waited.
21 And screamed and yelled.
22 381 days.
We walked.
And walked and walked.
381 days.
23 They made us
24
25 integrate
26 but we weren't done yet.
They made us
protest
27 And that's how it all started.
28 Refusing to obey.
And that's how it all started.
Refusing to obey.
to keep our dignity.
Use the questions below to help you analyze the poem. (Use the line numbers to help.)
(a) Who are the two voices in this poem? Which lines establish the voices?
(b) Why do you think lines 7 and 8 are written separately rather than in unison?
(c) In line 11, what tones do the voices create with their different words? What does the
difference reveal about the speakers?
(d) What is the effect of line 14 being said in unison?
(e) What does line 15 reveal about each speaker?
(f) How do you account for the difference in line 19?
(g) What events are being described in lines 20-22? How does each speaker describe them?
(h) What is the effect of lines 27-28 being said in unison? What is the subtle difference in
meaning?
Use the table below to organize your ideas. In the left and right columns, write statements or
questions that Ralph and Jack would make about the same topic. In the center column, write
statements or questions that Ralph and Jack would share. (Another way to visually organize
is to create a Venn diagram; you have the exact same information, just in another form.)
Ralph
Two Voices Poem
Both
Jack
Putting It Together: Use the poem from class as a guide for writing yours. Look at the lines
that are similar but not quite the same. Look at the lines that are exactly the same but mean
different things. Diction is the key to creating the tone you desire. Read your poem aloud
with a partner to listen for the desired effect. Make revisions if necessary.