Description
In this Unit, we examine how the elements of poetry relate to the author and the author’s world. What we will not do in this essay, and future critiques, is relate the literature to our experiences as readers anymore. Our focus is on discovering the author’s ideas and interests within the poem itself and, if possible, making educated guesses about his/her inspiration.
Thus, we’re interested in “Literature and the Author’s World.” Consider the speaker, mood, imagery, diction, form, symbolism, and other elements individually, or combined within the poem. Then, with a firm understanding and ideas about the poem, research the author’s influences, personal life, literary career, and/or place within history to see what connections you can find.
Your thesis statement should be narrowly focused and unique, and your analysis must relate to concepts learned in the textbook.
Literature Choices:
Choose ONE poem out of; Julia Alvarez’ “Woman’s Work”, Elizabeth Bishop’s “Sestina”, or Ann Bradstreet’s “The Author to Her Book” to write about
Relate one of the following bullet points to the author’s biography, who inspired/influenced the author, the poem’s place in literary history or the poem’s place in history.
the speaker
the setting, including the historic time period and/or the social or economic condition explored in the details of the poem
the philosophical, moral, or ethical ideas raised
the artistic qualities
As you prewrite to develop your thesis, consider questions like these:
How do details within the poem relate to events within the poet’s personal life?
How do details within the poem show that this poet was inspired by other poets?
How is this poem similar to other poems written in the same period or earlier?
What are the differences?
How does the poet use this poem to raise awareness of an important issue?
Why was this important at the time?
Requirements
Focus/Purpose: to analyze and to support an opinion to a primary audience of classmates and instructor in 625-725 words.
Content and Support/Elaboration: Your essay should be 5+ paragraphs. Each paragraph must include concrete details from the literature as support for the topic sentence, either as an example or an explanation of your point. Each body paragraph must also contain a quote or paraphrase of your research as support.
Paragraph Organization: Create complete paragraphs (topic, supporting details, transitions) organized as needed to support your ideas.
Style: Third person writing is required. College-level academic formality is expected as well.
Essay Structure: Organize this content in an example essay structure.
MLA: This essay must conform to 8th edition MLA standards. This includes the heading, the page formatting, and your credits of the poem in the in-text citations and the full citations after the essay. Your poem and three additional sources are expected for this essay.