Character Building through Poems: An Interactive Approach in Teaching Poetry

Abstract

A nation's success is in the hands of its youths. The strong character of its youths will create a strong nation, too. One of the ways to attain strong character is through literature, especially English literature. English literature thrives because it includes all literature in English, which means due to its various culture of origin, English literature is rich with many moral values from all over the world. Teaching is not only transferring knowledge, we believe. It also includes the responsibility to build the character of the students. Teaching English literature to students, for example, requires the teacher not only to take the students to analyze it well but also to see things that can be learnt from it. In such a way, it is hoped that teachers will be able to transfer not only knowledge but also moral as a foundation to character building. English literature (especially poetry) exploration is hoped to raise awareness of the students about themselves and others, so that they can build their character that later on will make them to be good leaders for their nations