Gems from Student Papers

I assigned my eighth graders a paper comparing and contrasting the poem "Richard Cory" by E.A. Robinson and the song "Richard Cory" by Simon & Garfunkel.  Here are a few quotes from their rough drafts that I thought were funny, and I think some of you might like them too.

"After I listened to this song, I felt hollowness inside me.  Maybe it was just because I was hungry but maybe it's because I felt pity for the man who wanted to become Richard Cory."

"The song was bright and cheerful even though it had one line that shows sorrow; the part when Richard Cory put a bullet through his head."

"'The Song Richard Cory' was about two singers named Simon and Garfunkel.  The song was about the two singer that expressed their feelings and facts about Richard Cory.  When you listen to the chorus part, you'll understand how Simon and Garfunkel felt working in Richard Cory's factory."

"The poem, 'Richard Cory' was a man who was rich but committed suicide.  Except for being rich, he was clean, wearing modestly dressed.  Also he was well taught.  But the problem was, he fluttered when he talked.  For example, "Good-morning."

That's all for now...I'm not giving these back tomorrow after all, and I may find a few more good ones as I continue to work through them.

Good night from tonight!  (It is now tonight for most of you, right?)