GROUP 1

FORMALISM APPROACH
FORMALISM APPROACH IS A METHOD OF LITERARY ANALYSIS THAT
FOCUSES ON THE FORMAL ELEMENTS OF A LITERARY WORK, SUCH
AS STRUCTURE, LANGUAGE, AND STYLE. IT EMPHASIZES CLOSE
READING AND EXAMINATION OF THE TEXT ITSELF, RATHER THAN
CONSIDERING EXTERNAL FACTORS LIKE THE AUTHOR'S
BIOGRAPHY OR HISTORICAL CONTEXT. THE FORMALIST APPROACH
BELIEVES THAT THE MEANING AND VALUE OF A WORK LIE WITHIN
ITS FORMAL FEATURES AND THE WAY THEY INTERACT WITH EACH
OTHER.
By applying formalism to Douglas Malloch's poem "Be the Best of
Whatever You Are," we can uncover its deeper meaning and impact.
This poem encourages individuals to embrace their unique qualities and
strive for excellence, regardless of their circumstances. Through the lens
of formalism, we can analyze the poem's structure, language, and artistic
choices to understand how they contribute to its impact and evoke
emotions within the reader. Studying the formal aspects of this poem
enhances our appreciation for the art of poetry and allows us to connect
with its message on a deeper level. It helps us recognize the deliberate
choices made by the poet and unravel the underlying themes and
symbolism. By delving into the formal elements, we gain a profound
understanding of the poem's aesthetic qualities and its ability to evoke
powerful emotions and convey complex ideas.
 BE THE BEST OF
WHATEVER YOU ARE
If you can't be a pine on the top of the hill,
Be a scrub in the valley — but be
The best little scrub by the side of the rill;
Be a bush if you can't be a tree.

If you can't be a bush be a bit of the grass,

And some highway happier make;
If you can't be a muskie then just be a bass —
But the liveliest bass in the lake!

We can't all be captains, we've got to be crew,

There's something for all of us here,
There's big work to do, and there's lesser to do,
And the task you must do is the near.

If you can't be a highway then just be a trail,

If you can't be the sun be a star;
It isn't by size that you win or you fail —
Be the best of whatever you are!
STRUCTURE
The poem "Be the Best of Whatever You Are" by Douglas
Malloch has a specific structure. It consists of four quatrain
stanzas, with each stanza containing four lines. The rhyme
scheme of the poem follows an ABAB pattern, where the end
words of the first and third lines rhyme with each other, and the
end words of the second and fourth lines rhyme with each
other. The consistent structure and rhyme scheme of the poem
contribute to its overall rhythm and musicality.
 Language

1. Repetition : The phrase "Be the best of whatever you are" is repeated
throughout the poem, emphasizing the central message and reinforcing
the idea of giving your best in any situation.

2. Metaphor: The poem uses metaphors to create vivid imagery and

convey its message. For example, the line "If you can't be a highway,
then just be a trail" compares different paths in life to highlight the
importance of making the most of one's own circumstances.

3. Simile: Though the poem primarily relies on metaphors, there is also

a simile present in the line "If you can't be a sun, be a star." This
comparison emphasizes that even if one cannot achieve the highest
position, they can still shine and make a positive impact.
4. Allusion: While there are no explicit allusions in the poem, we
can consider the broader context of the poem's message. It speaks
to the universal human desire for success and fulfillment, drawing
on the idea that each individual has the potential to excel in their
own unique way.
 Theme and message

The theme of the poem "Be the Best of Whatever You Are" by
Douglas Malloch is the celebration of individuality and the
pursuit of personal excellence.

The short but deep message of the poem is to embrace your

uniqueness and strive to be the best version of yourself. It
emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance, personal growth,
and staying true to your own path, regardless of external
expectations or comparisons to others.
1. What are the figures of speech used? Point it out

Metaphor: "If you can't be a highway, then just be a trail."

Simile: "If you can't be a sun, be a star."
Repetition : “ Be the best of whatever you are”

2. What does the poet tells the reader?

It conveys a powerful message of embracing and maximizing your own

individual potential. The poem emphasizes that it’s not about comparing
oneself to others or trying to be someone else. Instead, it encourages
individuals to focus on their own strengths and talents, and to use them to
the best of their ability.
3. What is the relationship of each part of the work to the work as
the whole? How are the parts related to one another?
The poem expresses the idea that personal
e x c e l l e n c e c a n b e a t t a i n e d i n a n y e n d e a v o r, w i t h
each section of the poem emphasizing a different
aspect of this concept, such as self-acceptance,
p e r s e v e r a n c e , a n d i n t e g r i t y . To g e t h e r, t h e s e p a r t s
create a cohesive message of striving for the best
version of oneself in all aspects of life .
4. How is the work structured or organized? How does it
begin? Where does it go next? How does it end?
The Work of the Poem by Douglas Malloch is structured in a way that reflects the
theme of striving for excellence in whatever you do. The poem begins by
emphasizing the importance of doing your best, regardless of the task or
occupation. It encourages the reader to give their all and put in their best effort.

As the poem progresses, it goes on to describe various scenarios where individuals

are dedicated and committed to their work. It highlights different professions and
the excellence with which they are pursued. The poem emphasizes that it doesn't
matter what you do, but how you do it. It encourages the reader to take pride in
their work and strive for excellence.

The poem ends with a powerful message, stating that those who truly excel in their
work are the ones who put their heart, soul, and passion into it. It concludes by
reminding the reader that success comes from within, and by doing your best in
everything you do, you can achieve greatness.
UNFAMILIAR WORD
"if you can be a muskie then just be a bass, but the liveliest
bass in the lake!"

Example : "I went fishing last weekend and caught a massive-

muskie that weighed over 30 pounds!"
 MUSKIE
Muskie fish are light silver, brown
or green in color with dark vertical
stripes on the sides. Some Muskie
fish may lack markings entirely,
especially fish from turbid waters.
Muskies have dark bodies with light
markings.
also known as muskellunge, is a large
predatory fish found in American
freshwater lakes and rivers. With their
elongated bodies, sharp teeth, and
aggressive nature, they are prized by
anglers for their size and the
exhilarating challenge they provide.
PASSAGES/ SCENES

“Be a scrub in the valley but be a brush if you can’t be a

tree”

It serves as a reminder that there are many different

roles and positions that can be successful in, and that we
should make the most of our circumstances while
pursuing excellence no matter what.
20XX presentation title 17
 RICHARD BRANSON

“Business opportunities are like buses.

There's always another one coming.”

20XX presentation title 18

 meet our team

TAKUMA HAYASHI MIRJAM NILSSON​ FLORA BERGGREN​ RAJESH SANTOSHI

president chief executive officer chief operations officer vp marketing

20XX presentation title 19

meet our extended team

TAKUMA HAYASHI MIRJAM NILSSON​ FLORA BERGGREN​ RAJESH SANTOSHI

president chief executive officer chief operations officer vp marketing

GRAHAM BARNES ROWAN MURPHY ELIZABETH MOORE ROBINE KLINE

vp product SEO strategist product designer content developer
 plan for product launch
PLANNING synergize scalable e-commerce

MARKETING disseminate standardized metrics

DESIGN coordinate e-business applications

STRATEGY foster holistically superior methodologies

LAUNCH deploy strategic networks with compelling e-business needs

20XX presentation title 21

timeline
NOV 20XX
disseminate standardized metrics

SEP 20XX
synergize scalable e-commerce

JAN 20XX
coordinate e-business applications

MAR 20XX MAY 20XX

foster holistically superior deploy strategic networks with
methodologies compelling e-business needs
 areas of focus
B2B MARKET SCENARIOS
o Develop winning strategies to keep ahead of the competition
o Capitalize on low-hanging fruit to identify a ballpark value
o Visualize customer directed convergence​

CLOUD-BASED OPPORTUNITIES
o Iterative approaches to corporate strategy
o Establish a management framework from the inside

20XX presentation title 23

 how we get there
ROI NICHE MARKETS SUPPLY CHAINS

o Envision multimedia- o Pursue scalable customer o Cultivate one-to-one

based expertise and cross- service through customer service with
media growth strategies sustainable strategies robust ideas

o Visualize quality o Engage top-line web o Maximize timely

intellectual capital services with cutting-edge deliverables for real-time
deliverables schemas
o Engage worldwide
methodologies with web-
enabled technologies

20XX presentation title 24

thank you
mirjam nilsson
mirjam@contoso.com
www.contoso.com