Rachel Wiley reads "Red Sugar" by Jan Beatty

The video features a poet from Columbus, Ohio, who reads and reflects on Jan Beatty's poem 'Red Sugar.' The poet discusses the poem's themes of working-class strength and vulnerability, which resonate personally. The narrative explores the concept of inner bodies and self-exploration, recounts a childhood encounter with a stranger, and describes a moment of recognition and connection with another person. The metaphor of 'eating weather' is used to convey the idea of internalizing and processing experiences and truths.

What aspect of Jan Beatty's persona is highlighted in the poem 'Red Sugar'?

• Her aristocratic background

• Her working-class strength and vulnerabilities

• Her love for nature

• Her academic achievements

In the poem, what does the narrator discover about themselves at the age of 12?

• They carry other bodies inside them

• They can speak multiple languages

• They have a unique talent for music

• They have a twin sibling

What does the 'red sugar body' symbolize in the narrator's journey?

• A path to wealth

• A guide to love and understanding

• A source of endless energy

• A connection to nature

What does the term 'eating weather' metaphorically represent in the poem?

• Adapting to climate variations

• Predicting weather changes

• Internalizing and processing emotions

• Consuming food during different seasons

How does the poem describe the internal struggle and acceptance of one's true self?

• By embracing the 'red sugar' and 'eating weather'

• By climbing a mountain

• Through a conversation with a wise elder

• Through a journey across the ocean