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Smart and Final Iris

by James Tate

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Exploring Tate's Nuclear Themes

Tate has crafted numerous verses that delve into the terrors of nuclear conflict. Take a moment to explore his piece "Land of Little Sticks, 1945" from the anthology Constant Defender alongside "Smart and Final Iris." Reflect on how each poem paints its vision of nuclear obliteration. What threads of similarity weave through them, and in what ways do they diverge?

Perceptions Across Generations

Embark on an inquiry by surveying individuals over forty and those under forty, asking them to consider the likelihood of witnessing a nuclear war within their lifetime. Use their responses as a foundation for an essay that unpacks shared beliefs and varied perspectives. What insights can you glean from the collective voices?

U.S. Nuclear Defense Strategy

Dive into an investigation of the current nuclear defense tactics employed by the United States. Reflect on whether you find these strategies agreeable or not, and delve into the reasoning behind your stance.

School Emergency Planning

Imagine being tasked with a few peers to devise a response and survival strategy for your school, in anticipation of a limited nuclear strike on a city fifty miles away. What would your main priorities be, and how do these choices mirror your personal values?

Debating Nuclear Deterrence

Engage your classmates in a poll to gauge perceptions about nuclear arms as a deterrent to warfare. Then, delve into research, gather your findings, and orchestrate a debate to spotlight diverse viewpoints.

Military Operation Names in Poetry

Create an anthology of code names used for military maneuvers and projects throughout the twentieth century—such as the 1991 Iraq conflict's moniker "Operation Desert Storm"—then channel these evocative titles into a poem.

Global Nuclear Capabilities

Research the nations currently in possession of nuclear bombs or those with the potential to develop one. Then, identify which of these nations is embroiled in a conflict with others. Speculate on which country might be the first to deploy such a weapon, and reason out your predictions.

Nuclear Code Words

Explore the significance of these evocative code names linked to U.S. nuclear projects and tests: "Operation Ranger," "Fat Man," "Operation Plumbob," and "Ranier." Uncover their stories and share your discoveries with your class.

Cinematic Depictions of Nuclear War

Undertake a comparative study of films depicting nuclear warfare, examining how portrayals have evolved from before 1980 to after. Begin your exploration with these cinematic works: On the Beach (1959), Dr. Strangelove; or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1963), Fail-Safe (1964), Mad Max II (1981), Threads (1984), and The Day After (1984).

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