For this reflection, we will practice being New Critics. Be sure to review Close Reading Strategies: A Process Approach from Unit 2, Reading Like a New Critic.
Chose a poem from this unit and Formulate a general question after your initial reading that identifies a problem—a tension—that is fruitful for discussion. (Consider your discussion posts and exchanges with your classmates).
Reread the work, paying particular attention to the question you posed. Take notes, which should be focused on your central question. Write an exploratory journal entry or blog post that allows you to play with ideas.
Construct a working thesis that makes a claim about the work and accounts for the following:
What does the work mean?
How does the work artistically demonstrate the theme you’ve identified?
“So what” is significant about the work? That is, why is it important for you to write about this work? What will readers learn from reading your interpretation?
Reread the text to gather textual evidence for support. What literary devices are used to achieve theme?
Construct an informal outline that demonstrates how you will support your interpretation.
You are submitting step 3 and 5, the thesis statement and informal outline demonstrating your support. Use the “Response Paper Outline Form” to complete the assignment and submit it here. Feel free to build off of your discussion post(s) or ideas that you generated there.
Just to be clear — You are working as a New Critic and submitting a thesis and an outline
If you are unsure of how to create an outline or why it’s important, please visit the following YouTube videos:
How to Write an Essay Outline – Essay Writing Tips For Exams
Formal Outline
You should NOT consult outside or web sources. Any use of outside sources will result in a grade of 0.
