Lacanian Textual Analysis

Experiment Two
Micro-Lesson Plan

Objectives
- To apply Lacan’s ideas on Robinson’s “ Miniver Cheevy”

Miniver Cheevy
Edwin Arlington Robinson

Miniver Cheevy, child of scorn,
Grew lean while he assailed the seasons
He wept that he was ever born,
And he had reasons.

Miniver loved the days of old
When swords were bright and steeds were prancing;
The vision of a warrior bold
Would send him dancing.

Miniver sighed for what was not,
And dreamed, and rested from his labors;
He dreamed of Thebes and Camelot,
And Priam's neighbors.

Miniver mourned the ripe renown
That made so many a name so fragrant;
He mourned Romance, now on the town,
And Art, a vagrant.

Miniver loved the Medici,
Albeit he had never seen one;
He would have sinned incessantly
Could he have been one.

Miniver cursed the commonplace
And eyed a khaki suit with loathing:
He missed the medieval grace
Of iron clothing.

Miniver scorned the gold he sought,
But sore annoyed was he without it;
Miniver thought, and thought, and thought,
And thought about it.

Miniver Cheevy, born too late,
Scratched his head and kept on thinking;
Miniver coughed, and called it fate,
And kept on drinking.

Methodology

1. Before reading the text, the teacher should explain to his students the biography of Edwin Arlington Robinson, and to provide them with an access to his childhood, ideas, and major themes.

2. After reading the poem closely in groups, students should answer the following questions.

* Explain the fragmentation (divided self) of Miniver Cheevy

* Capture whatever hint in the text that shows Miniver’s desire to return to the imaginary.

* Explain the symbols of lack in Miniver’s Psyche and link it to Edwin Arlington Robinson if possible.

* What are the elements of the “Real” in Miniver’s character?

* Highlight the brief moments of joy or terror or desire that arise from the deep unconscious of Miniver cheevy to remind him of the time of perfect wholeness.

* Look for any link between the desire of Miniver and the desire of the Edwin Robinson himself.