<p> AN EXERCISE IN PERSONA</p><p>I’m nervous that we may still be struggling with this concept of “Persona,” and have prepared this exercise to get some greater understanding. Remember, when you create a written persona, you are essentially creating a Mask and a Voice to which you are choosing to present a VERSION of yourself to the world. A Written Persona can be a very powerful and freeing thing—it allows you to choose just what elements of your past, what hopes for your future, and what acceptance of the NOW affect you. </p><p>Below are a few varying “Personas” from pop culture that you may or may not be familiar with. As we read over each selection, take notes on not only what type of persona the author is presenting (strong, scared, hurt, masculine, feminine, etc), but pay attention to how the author creates the persona—what is the mood of each piece? What are the words/aspects that creates that strength or vulnerability? Is there something that creates honesty, or mystery (and if so, what is that mystery protecting)?</p><p>Is the poet exhibiting strength? Weakness? Vulnerability? How so? What creates this idea of a person—or persona?</p><p>1. All along it was a fever A cold sweat, hot headed believer I threw my hands in the air I said show me something He said, if you dare come a little closer Round and around and around and around we go Oh now tell me, now tell me, now tell me now you know</p><p>2. I celebrate myself, and sing myself, / And what I assume you shall assume,</p><p>3. 4. 5.</p>