José Martí
Study Instructions and Questions

A.
Read "Sobre mi hombro" both silently and out loud before answering these questions.
Q1.
How many lines does the poem have? How many syllables does each Spanish line have? How many stanzas does the poem have? Can you find the rhyme scheme? (Hint: it's typically Spanish and modernista. What kind of poem is this?
B.
If you read Spanish, read both the Spanish original version and the English translation. If you do not read Spanish, skip to "C" below and answer "N/A" to Q2.
Q2.
Which version do you prefer? Why do you prefer the version you're going to continue to focus on?
C.
Read the poem out loud again.
Q3.
What is the effect and sense of the familiar second person plural verb/pronoun (ved / look ye) to start the poem in Spanish and/or English?
Q4.
In lines 3 through 8, what is the being doing who is on his (the poet's) shoulders? What state of mind is the poet in?
Q5.
Describe the action/emotion of the poet in lines 9 through 16 and the counter-action being done by the being on his shoulders.
D/Q6
Read the first 16 lines as a separate unit. (These lines are not a separate unit, but do this for the sake of the analysis). Notice the word that marks a subtle transition in line 17. This is the second transition of this kind. Now read the rest of the poem. Identify this particular word.
Q7.

Describe the condition the poet finds himself in lines 17-18. What does he do in line 19?

Q8.
In lines 20 through 23 what does the poet do? And what is the poet searching for?
Q9.
How does the poem end? What action occurs?
Q10.
 Identify various elements (2 or more) that help us recognized this poem as belonging to the modernista period and movement.
E.
Read the poem for enjoyment, as a personal experience, not so much as an object of analysis and evaluation. Since this poem is typical of the modernista period in Latin American humanities, how do you feel about it? Do you like it? Compare your thoughts and likes regarding this poem with other Latin American humanities you have studied so far in HUM 2461. (Write out your reactions for extra credit, if you wish.)