For this essay, you are going to write an in-depth analysis of one of the “Bonus Poems.” (It does not have to be one of the ones you annotated for the homework assignment.) You will be expected to discuss the details of the poem to demonstrate your understanding of poetry as a genre. These details may include devices such as rhyme scheme, metaphor/simile, personification, and allusion (among others). You may also focus on vocabulary choices, line length, or the general structure of the poem. All of these details are important to the poem’s ability to communicate a message to the reader.
But, those details will not get you where this essay needs to go. Listing poetic devices without a focused purpose is purely factual, and you need to write an analytical essay. So the more important work you need to do is to focus on the question “What impact do the poet’s choices have on the poem and the reader?”
Your essay should have a clear, argumentative thesis that makes an analytical claim about the poem. You will then use the details of the poem to support that claim.
Thesis Examples
Bad thesis: “My Mistress’ Eyes” uses a traditional Shakespearian sonnet rhyme scheme. (This thesis is purely factual, and will not support a 1000 word essay.)
Bad thesis: “My Mistress’ Eyes” makes fun of traditional love poetry. (This thesis is answering the question “what does the poem do?” but it isn’t making an argumentative statement about the answer. It is still too factual.)
Better thesis: “My Mistress’ Eyes” encourages readers to recognize that what really matters in a romantic relationship is sincere appreciation, not empty flattery. (This thesis identifies a message within the poem that will also allow the author to look at specific examples as supporting evidence.)
This essay is what we refer to as a “close reading.” That means you should not incorporate any outside research to help you develop your analysis. You may, however, use a dictionary for definitions and any allusions within the poem that you don’t understand (if you do this, you must cite appropriately (Links to an external site.)). The purpose of the assignment is to look carefully at the poem as a literary artifact and develop your own interpretation of the work it does. I am very aware that there are study guides out there for some of the poems you might choose. Don’t make the mistake of thinking I won’t notice if you take analysis directly from them.
Requirements
You must quote from the poem at least three times. A quote can be as short as one word, or as long as several lines – but make sure it is useful to the point you’re making. You should be holding up your quotes as examples to your reader of the argument you are trying to prove.
Quoting Examples
Bad quoting: The meaning of Jill Alexander Essbaum’s poem “Poem” is that “The heart that’s had / Enough” (lns. 10-11) is damaged. (This quote is providing summary. Nothing has been proven through its inclusion.)
Better quoting: We see a clear correlation between the crocus that “Won’t” (Essbaum, ln. 6) open and the heart that “Stays shut” (ln. 12) in their shared stubbornness and self-defensive behaviors. (The author is using quotes selectively to demonstrate the poet’s vocabulary choices and how they support the message of the poem.)
Things to Remember:
Quotes of up to 3 lines must include slashes to indicate line endings: “The heart that’s had / Enough” (lns. 10-11).
Quotes of 4 or more lines should be formatted (Links to an external site.) as they appear in the poem.
All quotes should be followed by MLA format citations.
An MLA format Works Cited (Links to an external site.) page is required.
Introduction 15%
The first paragraph must include a thesis statement that makes a specific, arguable claim about the poem and forecasts the structure of the essay.
Organization 10%
There must be a clear development of the argument from one paragraph to the next, following the structure outlined in the introduction. Each paragraph should focus on one main point identified in its topic sentence. Special attention should be paid to transitions between paragraphs.
MLA Format 10%
Material from the poem should be incorporated into the essay as seamlessly as possible using MLA format to identify all references.
Critical Thinking 25%
The essay shows good evidence of critical thinking, meaning that it makes a persuasive and interesting argument regarding the topic.
Source Usage 15%
The essay should demonstrate a familiarity with the poem through the use of quotes, paraphrase, and summary to support the essay’s thesis. The poem should be quoted at least three times.
Mechanics 15%
The essay should demonstrate careful attention to proofreading and be free of problems with punctuation, spelling, and syntax.
Works Cited 10%
The essay includes a works cited page that uses correct MLA bibliographic citations.
