Eco-poem

What is an eco-poem?“An [eco]-poem uses a formulaic structure to create a poem expressing what the writer sees as significant or meaningful dimensions of [the role of
nature in a text]” (110 Engaging Ideas by John Bean). The bio-poem is “effective for helping students see the personal dimensions” of a character who
Why do I have to write an eco-poem? The Great Alone could not take place in any other state except for Alaska. Think about how different the story
would be if it took place in say, Arizona, or Hawaii. Nature and landscape are integral to the unfolding of the narrative, particularly in The Great Alone,
and that’s what this assignment asks you to think about and reflect on.
The eco-poem I am asking you to develop, class, is an “invention strategy”—that means the eco-poem is a way for you to “invent” or develop your
thoughts and ideas about the character you have chosen to write about for your Role of Nature assignment. We could also call the eco-poem a
“generative” assignment because its purpose is to help you “generate” ideas and thoughts.