Contemporary and Modern Writers:Embracing New Trials, Returning Ideals

Contemporary Period:

-started at the end of World War II, in 1940

-includes reality-based stories with strong characters and a believable story

-Written works have been classified as well-defined, and realistic, and the characters were highly developed .

-Most writing features stories that are more character driven than plot driven.

The Quarrelby Eleanor Farjeon

Eleanor Farjeon-was an English author of children's stories and plays, poetry, biography, history and satire.

-wrote the words of the children's hymn "Morning has Broken", which was turned into a well-known popular song by Cat Stevens

"The Quarrel"by Eleanor Farjeon

I quarreled with my brother,I don't know what about,One thing led to anotherAnd somehow we fell out.

The start of it was slight,The end of it was strong,He said he was right,I knew he was wrong!

We hated one another.The afternoon turned black.Then suddenly my brotherThumped me on the back,

And said, "Oh, come on!We can't go on all night—I was in the wrong."So he was in the right.

Sharing Insights:

1. What is the reason for the quarrel? Read the line that says this.

2. How does the speaker feel about her action

immediately after doing it? Read sentences to support your answer.

3. Did the two characters in the poem become friends again? How did they resolve

their conflict?

4. Does the situation in the firs stanza

happen in real life?

5. Would you recommend this as a

practical way to resolve differences? Explain your answer by citing

examples.

6. Have you ever had unresolved personal

conflict? What difficulties commonly

lead to this? What difficulties tend to come up as a result of this?