JABBERWOCKY NONSENSE

Introduction:

The Jabberwock wants a new identity. It's tired of being seen as an ugly, gruesome creature. In order to give it a new look and identity, you've been asked to head an investigation into identifying the parts of speech in a famous poem which features the Jabberwock. Since the poem is named after the Jabberwock, it's offended by people who don't understand the poetic value of nonsense words and have misconstrued its identity.

Task:

Your task is to give the Jabberwock its new identity. In order to do this, you need to investigate the nonsense words, identify the part of speech they represent, and rewrite the nonsense words into clear, concise English words. The Jabberwock would also like any negative descriptions of him changed to more appealing characteristics.

Assignment:

You will be assigned to rewrite the Jabberwocky with a group of students. You will illustrate the new Jabberwocky. You will present your new version/poem and illustration of the Jabberwocky.

Process:

1. Gather notes and information on the following parts of speech:

• NOUNS
• VERBS
• ADJECTIVES
• ADVERBS

1. Read the Jabberwock orally. Identify some of the nonsense words.
2. Label each nonsense word and replace with a standard English word. They must match as far as the part of speech. Be as creative as possible.
3. Change each word that gives a negative impression of the Jabberwock, and replace it with a more appealing word.
4. Illustrate the new Jabberwock and write a description of it using at least 10 adjectives.
5. Read poems orally and present pictures of new Jabberwocky.
6. Research The Mad Gardner's Song written by Lewis Carroll, and identify five of each of the following: nouns (common or proper), verbs, adjectives, adverbs found in the poem.

• Summary of Parts of Speech
• The Parts of Speech
• The Parts of Speech
• Lewis Carroll Poem - The Mad Gardner's Song
• Jabberwocky
• Online Thesaurus

You should now have a better understanding of basic parts of speech and poetic creativity. You should also be familiar with at least a couple of poems by Lewis Carroll.
 
 

Revised August 2002 by J. Blanchette