Poetry essay

As the final part of the poetry unit, you will be required to write an essay explicating – explaining – a poem of your choice. The poem should be at least 14 lines long. It must come from a reputable source of poetry. The poem should be a sophisticated work, not a simple one, so that you will have the literary depth you need to write an intelligent analysis. Below is the outline you should follow for the essay.

This assignment will be due May 9. We will be doing other assignments in the meantime, so don’t wait to get started on it.

THIS WILL BE AN IMPORTANT GRADE FOR THE QUARTER.

Introduction

            The introduction may talk about the poem, the poet, a combination of the two, or generally about the theme of the poem. The THESIS STATEMENT for the essay should be a statement of the theme of the poem and how the poet supports that theme.

I. Theme

            This paragraph will explain in detail what the theme of the poem is.

II. Imagery

            This paragraph will discuss the major images used in the poem and how those images reinforce the theme.

III. Devices of Sound

            This paragraph will discuss how the poet uses sound, including meter and rhyme if present, to reinforce main ideas.

IV. Devices of Style

            This paragraph will cover the major Figures of Speech employed by the poet and how those devices serve to convey the theme.

V. Evaluation

            This paragraph will judge the effectiveness of the poet in achieving theme, addressing what may or may not have worked in the poem.

Conclusion

            The conclusion briefly sums up the main aspects of the essay.

A COPY OF THE POEM MUST BE INCLUDED WITH THE ESSAY