Poetry as Sound and Object

Introduction 

“Para qué tanto llorar dijo la muerte si tarde o temprano a todos me los voy a llevar.”¹  – Calaverita Mexicanas

“First you have fun, then you die.”² – Helena Madrid

In this multimodal unit designed for my eighth-grade Spanish classes, I will create an engaging and culturally enriching learning experience in which my students will explore the captivating world of Calaveras Literarias. Rooted in Mexican tradition, these poetic epitaphs humorously depict death while offering poignant social commentary. Employing a comprehensive approach encompassing auditory, visual, and critical analysis elements, students will delve into the history, cultural significance, and creative process behind Calaveras Literarias.

This four-week unit facilitates an exploration of the origins and cultural significance of Calaveras Literarias through readings, videos, and class discussions, and examines prominent themes, including death, satire, and social commentary. My students will analyze the linguistic and poetic devices used in Calaveras Literarias to create rhythm, rhyme, and satire. In this unit, my students will explore sound in poetry while listening to recorded performances of Calaveras Literarias and they will identify key auditory elements that enhance their impact on the poetry. They will also be asked to employ visual interpretation by studying visual representations of Calaveras Literarias in artwork and illustrations. It is my plan to lead a class discussion on the role of imagery and symbolism in expressing satire and social critique in these poems. This unit will culminate with a writing workshop in which my students will craft their very own Calaveras Literarias. In this workshop, students will be instructed on the structural elements of these poems, including rhyme scheme, meter, and stanza organization. It is my plan for them to then engage in guided writing exercises to practice composing Calaveras Literarias focused on various themes and subjects.

It is my goal that at the end of this unit my students will not only have honed their linguistic and literacy skills in the target language but also gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for the rich cultural heritage encapsulated within Calaveras Literarias. It is my hope that through creative expression and critical analysis my students will emerge with a new found ability to engage with complex themes and social issues in a culturally sensitive and impactful manner. By exploring the sight, sound, and satire of Calaveras Literarias in this unit, my students will engage in a rich interdisciplinary study that addresses all of the World- Readiness Standards for Language Learning established by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and will enhance their understanding of the Spanish language and of Mexican culture.