Poetry Analysis

Poetry Analysis Task: Choose a poet from our book Latino Literature and write an essay in which you analyze three poems written by that poet.  You are to analyze the poet’s use of literary elements (parts of the poem and figures of speech) and use this analysis to interpret the meaning of this poem. Challenge yourself by looking for a common theme in the works you choose to analyze.

In other words

What is the poem saying and what literary elements does the author use to demonstrate this message?

Introduction Provide the necessary background information about the poet in 2-3 paragraphs: ·         poet’s name/any relevant biographical facts ·         Geography---Living in a hot climate by the sea will create different experiences then living in a cold mountainous place. ·         Current event---Growing up during a war, fighting in a war, political unrest. ·         Family structure---Eldest who cares for siblings, living with relatives, poverty. ·         State of the economy---Growing up during the depression, living in a poor country. Please refer to the previous post for more information.

Use appropriate transitional words or phrases to begin a discussion of the poet’s work. ·         title of poem ·         Summary of the poem’s subject or topic. Transitional words and phrases https://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/Transitions.html

Thesis •  In your thesis, identify the literary element(s) to be analyzed and the approach or direction of the analysis. •  What message is the poem sending?

Sample Thesis Statement #1

In “First Lessons,” R. Zamora Linmark uses allusions to describe how not to write a poem, and then he uses imagery and allusions to describe how to write a poem properly.

Sample Thesis Statement #2

R. Zamora Linmark in “First Lessons” uses imagery and verbal irony to describe how a writer can discover his or her topic, then through diction and allusion, tells the writer how to write a poem that will leave a lasting impression on readers.

Sample Thesis Statement #3

In the poem “First Lessons,” R. Zamora Linmark uses allusion and visual imagery in a playful way to teach writers what to avoid and what to incorporate when composing poems based on other literary works. Linmark advises writers that it is okay to borrow, or even steal, from others’ literary works as long as they replace them with works of their own.

Body Paragraphs •  The number of paragraphs will be based on the number of elements you analyze and the number of claims that you make.

Sample Organization #1

In “First Lessons,” R. Zamora Linmark uses allusions to describe how not to write a poem, and then he uses imagery and allusions to describe how to write a poem properly. Sample Organization #1

1.  the author uses allusions to describe how not to write a poem

2.  the author uses imagery to describe how to write a poem properly

3.  the author uses allusions to describe how to write a poem properly

Sample Organization #2

R. Zamora Linmark in “First Lessons” uses imagery and verbal irony to describe how a writer can discover his or her topic, then through diction and allusion, tells the writer how to write a poem that will leave a lasting impression on readers.

Sample Organization #2

1.  the author uses imagery to describe how a writer can discover his or her topic

2.  the author uses verbal irony to describe how a writer can discover his or her topic

3.  the author uses diction to tell the writer how to write a poem that will leave a lasting impression on readers

4.  the author uses allusion to tell the writer how to write a poem that will leave a lasting impression on readers Conclusion

Conclusion •  Your concluding paragraph should begin by echoing your major thesis without repeating the words verbatim. •  It should broaden from the thesis statement to answer the “so what?” question your reader may have after reading your essay. Conclusion •  Reflect on how your essay topic relates to the poem as a whole •  Evaluate how successful the author is in achieving his or her goal or message •  Give a personal statement about the topic Conclusion •  Make predictions •  Connect back to your creative opening •  Give your opinion of the poem’s value or significance

Your essay must be posted to the blog by Wednesday, June 4, 2014 by 1:08pm.

Students will post one essay and give constructive criticism to two. Directions on how to give feedback will follow.