The Dunce

The Dunce (from the original 'Le Cancre' in French)

He says no with his head
but he says yes with his heart
he says yes to what he loves
he says no to the teacher
he stands
he is questioned
and all the problems are posed
sudden laughter seizes him
and he erases all
the words and figures
names and dates
sentences and snares
and despite the teacher's threats
to the jeers of infant prodigies
with chalk of every colour
on the blackboard of misfortune
he draws the face of happiness.

Jacques Prévert (1900-1977)

- I have mixed feelings about using poems in translation, but I wonder if this one will resonate with students who struggle with academic work. It might be a good piece for language arts to discuss if there is ever anyone who should be labelled as 'dunce' and what the poet is trying to convey about true happiness.
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