“Muse & Drudge” is the title of a Harryette Mullen book of poems, and sets the tone for this unit and discussion.

For your first discussion, write TWO STURDY PARAGRAPHS ( and then one extra bit ) on the following:

PARA 1)  After reading about the NINE MUSES and their attributes, and then reading our selection of poets, your task for discussion is to MATCH OUT one of the Muses with one or more poets– in other words, which one of these muses would have inspired your chosen poet– discuss, and quote from a poem or poems as to why you feel this way. EXAMPLE : when I read the attributes for Thalia, I can think of at least one poet that matches out well with her, but ALL of the muses and poets are fair game for pairing.

PARA 2) We’re in this moment now– we’ve been stuck, and now we’re heading toward something, with much suffering and loss, and perhaps some glimmers of hope. Speak to what YOU ARE GOING THROUGH NOW, and which muse or poet could most INSPIRE you or at least help you COPE and go on.

Here are the names of the 9 Muses streets and what they mean:

Urania, the Muse of astronomy
Thalia, the Muse of comedy and of playful and idyllic poetry
Euterpe, the Muse of tragedy
Calliope, the Muse of epic poetry
Clio, the Muse of history
Erato, the Muse of love poetry and mimicry
Melpomene, the Muse of tragedy
Terpsichore, the Muse of dancing
Polyhymnia, the Muse of sacred poetry