what is a barbaric yawp? dead poets society?

Question

I have to do a english assignment based on dead poets society and the assignment reads

"Write a "self" poem, any form, any approach. How would you celebrate yourself? What does your "barbaric yawp" sound like?

i'm not asking for ppl to help me cheat or write my poem, i'm asking for what the assignment asked for, can someone translate?

Answer 1

As you know from the movie, the assignment refers to a quote by Walt Whitman:

"I too am not a bit tamed, I too am untranslatable,
I sound my barbaric YAWP over the roofs of the world."
Walt Whitman
Leaves of Grass

Your "barbaric yawp" is like your battle cry...how you would announce yourself to the world and let them know who you are.
Are you familiar with the WWE (or is it WWF, I forget)? All those slogans and sayings that the wrestlers yell when they take the stage. That is each man's barbaric yawp. Their way of getting our attention and telling us in a few words what they stand for.

So, your teacher wants your poem to reflect your inner self...loudly, explosively and truthfully. Kind of a tough assignment for a kid, but I am sure you can do it. Good luck!

Answer 2

Barbaric Yawp

Answer 3

Define Barbaric

Answer 4

a barbaric yawp is kind of like being yourself, even if it means flying in the face of society or what society thinks is the right or proper thing for you to do or the right way for you to be. remember that in the movie the boys are in a strict boarding school, and some with strict parents, and the boys are trying to find their own creative voices, whatever those might be.