Hi everyone,
I hope everyone was able to safely enjoy the solar eclipse today! This week, we will discuss how to write a poetry analysis essay. I have also posted our first essay (15% of grade), which is due in two weeks, Sunday, April 20th, and where you will analyze a poem. You may find the essay prompt and information by clicking “Course Content” on Blackboard – the essay must be submitted via Blackboard.
Assignment for the week: Lets take some time to discuss how to write a poetry analysis essay, so that we can better-prepare for the first essay. Please read the following article, which provides a step-by-step guide for poetry analysis essays: https://papersowl.com/blog/how-to-write-a-poetry-essay
1) Write one paragraph discussing what is a poetry analysis essay. What are the different parts of a poem that you can analyze and discuss in these essays? Why do we write these essays?
2) Write 2-3 sentences describing why we may decide to analyze the title of a poem. Far too often, readers quickly read titles, without giving them much thought. Why does it make sense to give attention to the title of a poem?
3) The article provides a “Poetry Analysis Template”. The “Introduction” section of the template includes points related to the title of the poem, name of the poet, date the poem was published, and more. Why does it make sense to include this information on your introduction? Write 2-3 sentences about this.
4) At the bottom of the article, the author provides two paragraphs analyzing the “Still I Rise” poem by Maya Angelou. What part of an essay is the first paragraph provided? Is this an introduction? If yes, is it well-written? Does it properly introduce the poem to the reader? Write 4-5 sentences about this.
If you have any questions, please let me know. This specific assignment is due by the end of Sunday, April 13; and the first essay (15% of grade) is due by the following Sunday, April 20th. No extensions will be provided for the essay.
Thanks,
Oswald
Poetry Analysis Essay – Prompt
Poem: “Mother to Son” by Langston Hughes, available here: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/47559/mother-to-son
Due date: by the end of Sunday, April 20. The essay will count towards 15% of your grade.
Prompt: Write a 5-paragraph essay about “Mother to Son.” Discuss 1) the meaning and your interpretation of the poem, 2) analyze the imagery, words/diction, metaphors, tone, and other literary techniques utilized by the author; 3) explain how the literary devices helps convey the meaning and message of the poem.
The essay must:
Be submitted via Blackboard, and should be double spaced, in 12-point Times New Roman font. (Click “Upload file” on the bottom of this page, and attach your essay in PDF format.)
Include 5 paragraphs, with an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph must have a minimum of 5 sentences.
Include quoted words from the poem, to assist in explanation of your points.
The essay format must be as follow:
Paragraph 1: Introduce the reader to your topic. (Anything that stands out about the title of the poem?)
Paragraph 2: Discuss the meaning and interpretation of the poem.
Paragraph 3: Discuss literary devices utilized by the author (imagery, metaphors, etc.)
Paragraph 4: Continue discussing literary devices used by the author.
Paragraph 5: Conclude your essay. Restate your essay’s main points, and provide any concluding thoughts.
