FINAL EXAM
Overview
Write an essay in which you compare and contrast how two different poems from our textbook or Canvas explore a single idea or aspect of poetry.
The idea or aspect you compare in the two poems could be a definition of poetry (think Ars Poetica), a subgenre or kind of poem, the speakers, a situation or setting, a common theme, a common tone, diction, imagery, figures of speech, use of symbols, their sounds, or their internal structure and external form.
You must select two poems about which you have not yet written for a paper or exam (it is OK if you used the poems in a discussion post).
In your thesis statement, be sure to clearly state your point of comparison and how it impacts your understanding of the two poems. Then compose your essay around each poem’s development focusing on your point of comparison.
Aspects of the poems you may want to address include form (title, presentation, rhythm, sonic devices, line breaks, sentences, diction, figuration, etc.), content (imagery, metaphors, structure, type of reasoning, emotions, tone, voice, speakers, attitude, setting, etc.), or anything else that strikes you as helpful in comparing the two poems. Use the questions we discussed earlier in the semester as a guide.
Any reaction you have to the poems is acceptable as long as you locate it in the poems themselves. Remain grounded in the text! Avoid vague comments and concentrate instead on how your poems relate to each other and your point of comparison. The core of the essay should be a comparison of the two poems.
The Specifics
Your essay should be 1000-1500 words. List the word count at the end.
Your essay should be typed, double-spaced, and in Times New Roman 12-point font with 1″ margins. Use MLA formatting.
Your essay must be submitted via Canvas by midnight on Thursday, 5/13. Emailed copies (or anything other than submission via Canvas) are considered late regardless of when they are sent.
Your essay should have a title that reflects your take on the subject matter or thesis statement. In other words, something a bit more than “Final Exam” or “Poetry Test” This is your chance to set your readers’ expectations.
Quote from the poems as often as necessary to help you illustrate your points. Use in-text citations to direct me to the appropriate lines. Remain grounded in the text!
To the best of your ability, use the vocabulary terms from our course when discussing the poems.
To err is human, which makes proofreading a must. I recommend reading your paper aloud before finalizing your draft.
Due Date
Thursday, May 13, 2021
The Final Exam is worth 25% of your final grade
Late work will be reduced one letter grade (A to B, for example) for each day that it is late
THE POEMS:
Kenneth Koch, “To My Twenties”
Margaret Atwood, “You Begin”
