The last paper you write for this class will be the paper on Poetry.
Topic:
Use either “The Academy of American Poets” (Poets.org) or “The Poetry Foundation” to choose five individual poems to discuss and analyze using the materials outlined in the text in the Introductions to the chapters on poetry (chapters 11-19). The paper should have a central idea, a focus, an introduction and a thesis that ties the works together in a meaningful way.
Organization:
You can organize your paper around key ideas, poetic techniques or styles and discuss the individual poems one at a time, or you can point out certain poetic characteristics in a poem or two poems and then move on to another element of poetry. It is not necessary to spend equal amounts of time on the five poems. Concentrate instead on the things that you find important and interesting. Make sure to include an introduction and conclusion and shape your paper into a coherent essay using the five poems as examples and illustrations to support your ideas.
Preparation:
Before you begin the paper, read as many poems as you can (so that you have a wide selection to work with related to your theme or subject). Next look at the COURSE CONTENT / POETRY / POETRY PAPER RESOURCES page where you will fine helpful resources for the paper. You will want to pay attention to the files called: “Questions to ask About the Poems” and the “Poetry Paper Checklist”.
Length:
Your essay will be around 4-5 pages (at least 1000-1200 words total) of analysis of the linked poems where you investigate the major characteristics or techniques or “elements” of poetry discussed in the anthology’s chapters on poetry.