•  Stern is Jewish and has written poems about the Holocaust as well as many other subjects. He is often called a Jewish poet. In a small group, discuss whether heritage or subject matter makes someone a Jewish poet. For reference, look up his poem “Soap” or his poem “Adler.”

•  Gerald Stern did not publish his first book of poetry until 1971 when he was forty-six years old. After that he published more than a dozen books and earned numerous prestigious awards. Research the time in Stern’s life before 1971 and write a brief biography of the man before his career as a poet.

•  Why is Stern called the modern Whitman? Make a list of the characteristics of the poetry of each man and compare them. Is it valid to...