Music, Art and Poetry (MAP) Sessions are hosted by The Teacher's Academy
As a part of our Thoughtful Thursday MAP series, on the 1st of May 2025, Brinda led a discussion on symbolism in poetry, using examples from poets like W.B. Yeats and Robert Frost, and introduced a contemporary Arabian poet, Norma Shehab Rai. The team also discussed the importance of symbolism in art, the complexity of paintings, and the use of symbolism in music, with Jatin explaining the symbolism of the swan in classical music compositions. The conversation ended with a discussion on the interconnectedness and multidisciplinary approach in their sessions and plans for future sessions.
Symbolism in Poetry: Universal and Personal
Brinda led a discussion on symbolism in poetry, explaining that authors use symbols to convey their intended message. She noted that this is particularly common in poetry, as it allows poets to express various emotions and phases in life without repetition. Brinda also mentioned that particular objects and natural elements have become universal symbols, while others are more personal and private. She used examples from poets like W.B. Yeats and Robert Frost to illustrate the use of symbols in their work.
Symbolism in Frost's "Dust of Snow
Brinda discussed the symbolism in Robert Frost's poem "Dust of Snow," focusing on the crow, hemlock tree, and snow. She explained how these symbols represent darkness, evil, and purity and contribute to the poem's message about the transformative power of small, insignificant acts. Brinda also mentioned other poems by W.B. Yeats, such as "The Lake Isle of Innisfree," which convey similar themes of nature and the human experience. Finally, she introduced a contemporary Arabian poet, Norma Shehab Rai, and her poem "Hugging the Jukebox," which explores the intersection of memory and the Caribbean Sea.
Alfred's Passion for Music
Brinda discussed the story of a 6-year-old boy named Alfred who learns all the words to all the songs on his grandparents' jukebox and sings them. The grandparents, who can't sing, are amazed by Alfred's talent and impact on the community. Despite his young age, Alfred's passion for music is evident, and he continues to sing even when he's put to bed. The story highlights the power of music and the impact it can have on people's lives.
Symbolism in Art and Poetry
Brinda discussed the importance of symbolism in art, using the example of a jukebox as a symbol in a poem. She emphasised that symbols create an atmosphere and leave a lasting memory. Mr. Ghosh then spoke about symbolism in art, noting that it is not a new concept for Indians, as seen in their gods and goddesses. He highlighted that European artists took liberties with symbolism, making it difficult to understand their intended meanings.
Abstract Paintings and Symbolic Music
Subhashish discussed the paintings' complexity and abstract nature, noting that they often depict imaginary animals and are difficult to understand without research. She mentioned that these paintings are not necessarily representative of the period and are not commonly used by other artists. Brinda also pointed out the use of gloomy and dreamy colours in these paintings. The participants were encouraged to share their thoughts and reflections on the paintings before moving on to Jatin's explanation of the usage of symbolism in music.
Poetry Reading Session With Teacher Reading Her Submission
Rohini Agarwal, who was present, read her poem.
Swan Lake: Music, Poetry, and Sports
Jatin discussed the symbolism of the swan in various mythologies and its use in classical music compositions. He shared his inspiration for choosing the Swan Lake composition by Tchaikovsky, which was initially composed in 1875 and is considered one of the most challenging pieces for ballerinas. Jatin also explained the plot of Swan Lake, which involves a king falling in love with a woman cursed by a sorcerer to transform into a swan. He mentioned the movie adaptation of Swan Lake, which used the Black Swan character to represent the mental state of the performer rather than the original plot. Jatin then shared a figure skating performance based on the Swan Lake composition, highlighting elements like 32 spins to express the character's vulnerability.
Interconnected Sessions and Personal Reflections
Brinda discussed the interconnectedness and multidisciplinary approach, emphasising the benefits of broadening horizons and making connections. She encouraged participants to share their reflections and suggested improvements. Sandeep stressed the importance of being prepared and optimising time during sessions. Minakshi shared her experience with a teacher interested in joining the sessions, and Sandeep advised downloading the Zoom app for easier access.
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