The Hill We Climb Lesson Plan

Discuss Gorman’s use of “we” pronouns. What purpose does this stylistic choice serve in the poem?

Students should investigate the layers of meaning included in the use of the word “we”, including, for example: that Gorman considers herself part of the collective who she is addressing, that there is a responsibility of each individual to be part of the change, or that the poem seeks to embody its message of unity in its delivery of it. They might also consider who is included in the we, or whether anyone is implicitly excluded (or, if there is any likelihood that any individuals or groups might perceive themselves as excluded from the “we” in the poem). Students are also...