Comparing and Contrasting Two Poems through Formal Analysis
This assignment is like Paper 1, except now will need to write 10 pages and advance a thesis.
Choose two poems from the same thematic cycle in On Human Flourishing and write an ten-page analysis of them. Be sure the poems are somewhat similar in terms of subject.
A productive approach to this assignment might be to (1) organize the essay with a thorough introduction of the thematic cycle and both poems, including the topics the poets explore; (2) state a thesis (single sentence at the end of the intro that captures the spirit of the essay); (3) analyze several formal elements in the body of the essay, such as speaker, tone, mood, diction, imagery, figures of speech, and theme, comparing and contrasting the poems in terms of such elements; and (4) conclude the essay in a thorough, thoughtful manner. (34 overall points, one third of your final grade)
Note: the thesis statement should be concerned with a big element such as mood, persona, or theme. This will enable you to connect the other formal elements to the thesis in the body of the essay.
Templates:
While Wordsworth’s theme is _____, Whitman’s is _____.
Although the poems are similar in theme, they differ in their moods (or some other element).
The poems seem thematically different, but there are subtle similarities in terms of persona, imagery, and ___.
In all cases try to advance a thesis that enables you to analyze multiple formal elements in each poem and also to make comparative and contrastive points about each. Don’t forget about making the comparative/contrastive points!
Guidelines
Use the MLA paper template
Look carefully at the paper rubric
When writing about literature, assume the reader is familiar with the text
But do include a brief overview of both poems in your introduction
Be sure to engage the texts thoroughly through quotation, deduction, paraphrase, analysis, and interpretation
Your focus should be on the two primary texts.
Avoid the use of 1st person (I, me, mine, we, us, ours)
Therefore, do not say “I believe,” “I suggest,” “In my opinion,” etc.. . Instead, state your ideas as though they are factual and then support them with an appeal to the text. This is much more compelling rhetorically.
Avoid the use of 2nd person (you, yours). This is too informal.
Use semi-formal language free of slang
Use fresh language, not clichés
Try to be objective and thus avoid your personal reaction to the text (how it affected you)
The paper should be structured with a compelling introduction, body paragraphs in which you engage in thorough close reading, and an effective conclusion
Perhaps use section headings in the body of the essay so it is clear which formal elements you are comparing and contrasting.
Try to avoid the obvious. If using comparison, draw connections between two elements that seem different; if using contrast, try to distinguish between elements that seem similar.
Be sure to show a thorough understanding of figures of speech, distinguishing accurately among metaphor, simile, personification, and metonym
Give yourself ample time when writing this paper. Before you begin drafting the essay, be sure to engage in some prewriting, organizational activities such as brainstorming, outlining, identifying quotations, etc.
Give me the BEST paper you have ever written. No pressure!
Ten full pages. Works cited on the 11th page.
