Questions:
- Why did you pair this poem with this photo/art work and the article? What do the three have in common?
The photo very distinctly brings out the theme of the poem and this is the main reason for my choice of this photo to pair with the poem. It shows the element of joy in unwrapping Christmas gifts and that sense of anticipation of what is to come. This is shown in the poem where the writer explains shows the reader that a person lets go of everything else in the world at the moment of opening the present, as if looking forward to something that can change his/her life. Thus, the poem and the photo both carry that element of suspense of opening a Christmas present and the similarities can be drawn. The article however, shows the exuberance of Christmas and how everyone in Singapore celebrates this Christian festival as a festival of joy and giving. This is what the writer is questioning in the first stanza of the poem, where the commercialism of Christmas has taken over the significance and meaning of it for Christians. I paired the poem together with this article to clearly show what the writer is trying to show in his writing and the context of his poem. The three revolve around Christmas, and the ideas around it.
- Examine the two Wordles. What important words, if any, do the poem and article have in common? Does the word cloud make you see the themes, ideas or subjects of each more clearly? How?
Christmas, Orchard, Festive, Christian and Pastor (not common, but same idea)
The word cloud allows us to see the ideas and subjects more clearly by summing up the key words and concepts in each bunch of words. However, it does not really show the theme of the poem clearly because the bunch of words keyed in might have hidden meanings, or might mean different things when put into context. Thus, when phasing out a few key words, it might not totally sum out the true theme of the poem.
- Which do you like best: the Poem, the Image or the Article? Why?
I like the image best. I think it truly shows the festival of Christmas, where everyone is smiley and full of joy. It is a celebration that truly brings people together and the thrill that we get from opening presents is not only limited to children, it stretches to everyone. That is why I like the image the best because it truly showcases Christmas as a festival.
- What does this pairing say about life today? Do you think someone looking at it 25 years from now would “get” the same meaning? What about 100 years from now?
It speaks volumes about commercialism evident in society today, for Christmas as a Christian festival to be brought to people of all different races and religions even in a secular state like Singapore. It is the work of branding and use as a promotional point that enabled this to happen. From the poem and the article, this is definitely shown but the same cannot be said about the image. It shows the innocence of Christmas as something that we all enjoy and take lots of positivity from. In 25 years, probably the idea of commercialism would not change in such a short period of time and they would still be able to get the same meaning. In 100 years, the future seems uncertain and a lot of things can happen between now and then. Maybe, the commercialism would have been expanded and expounded on. Or maybe, it would have been thwarted by racial and religious wars or conflicts. However, one thing would not change and that is the sheer joy of giving and sharing that Christmas brings to whomever that celebrates it.
- What other photos, art work or ST articles could also have been paired with this poem? Why?
Many other photos and artworks could also have been paired with this poem. As long as they signify the spirit of Christmas and showcase the joyful exuberance, it can be paired with this poem as a symbol for Christmas.
