Download All Quiet on the Western Front

All Quiet on the Western Front
Poetry, Propaganda, & Satire… OH, MY!
Propaganda, though meant to be taken seriously, is often exaggerated and unrealistic. This makes it a prime target for our old friend,
satire. In All Quiet on the Western Front, Paul makes very clear his disdain for the romantic vision of war espoused by the propaganda of
his time. Also, he often shares with us, the reader, similar elements of disillusionment to those we see in the WWI poetry we’ve read
together. Considering all this, what do you think it would look like if Paul were to create a poster to mock this propaganda? What if he
were to write a poem about it?
YOUR TASK: Taking on Paul’s persona, you will (1) create a satirical propaganda poster and (2) write a poem that connects elements
of your poster to his experiences.
1)
2)
The Poster
a. I use the term “poster” loosely. Do not feel limited to an 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper. You could create a brochure using a
program like Publisher, a mind-blowing collage with Photoshop, a large drawing on poster board, or whatever other
amazingly inspired approach you can think of!
b. Your “poster” should include:
i. A goal for the viewer.
ii. A well-defined technique.
iii. Color images to capture the viewer.
iv. Words in the form of slogan.
v. Satirical elements, such as: exaggeration, reversal, parody, incongruity, irony, invective, loaded language,
mock seriousness, etc…
The Poem
a. Your poem should include:
i. At least 15 lines.
ii. References to the point you’re making in your “poster.”
iii. References to Paul’s experiences and disillusionment.
iv. Imagery and at least one other element of figurative language.
**REMEMBER: This project is to be completed from Paul’s perspective, not your own.**
All Quiet on the Western Front
Poetry, Propaganda, & Satire… OH, MY!
Propaganda, though meant to be taken seriously, is often exaggerated and unrealistic. This makes it a prime target for our old friend,
satire. In All Quiet on the Western Front, Paul makes very clear his disdain for the romantic vision of war espoused by the propaganda of
his time. Also, he often shares with us, the reader, similar elements of disillusionment to those we see in the WWI poetry we’ve read
together. Considering all this, what do you think it would look like if Paul were to create a poster to mock this propaganda? What if he
were to write a poem about it?
YOUR TASK: Taking on Paul’s persona, you will (1) create a satirical propaganda poster and (2) write a poem that connects elements
of your poster to his experiences.
3)
4)
The Poster
a. I use the term “poster” loosely. Do not feel limited to an 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper. You could create a brochure using a
program like Publisher, a mind-blowing collage with Photoshop, a large drawing on poster board, or whatever other
amazingly inspired approach you can think of!
b. Your “poster” should include:
i. A goal for the viewer.
ii. A well-defined technique.
iii. Color images to capture the viewer.
iv. Words in the form of slogan.
v. Satirical elements, such as: exaggeration, reversal, parody, incongruity, irony, invective, loaded language,
mock seriousness, etc…
The Poem
a. Your poem should include:
i. At least 15 lines.
ii. References to the point you’re making in your “poster.”
iii. References to Paul’s experiences and disillusionment.
iv. Imagery and at least one other element of figurative language.
**REMEMBER: This project is to be completed from Paul’s perspective, not your own.**