Due Wednesday, December 19th - Poetry Literary Analysis Essay

Directions: I would like you to choose three poems, and compare and contrast the works using your own analysis and the poetic devises we have studied over the past three weeks. One of your works must be a sonnet. One must be from Billy Collins 180. The third can be any of your choice. My advice would be to use the poems you already analyzed, but that is not in any way mandatory. Please use the outline and rubric below as a guide in your experience. Remember to use the ten step process, and other materials I have provided in past blog posts.  You will need to develop your own thesis statements which will be based on the thematic elements of the poems you selected.  We will begin this process in small groups.  Help each other get started.

Optional Working Outline

• Introduction with thesis statement (1 paragraph) 
• Part I (1-2 Paragraphs) – Poem one - Analysis and your opinion
• Part II (1-2 Paragraphs) – Poem two - Analysis and your opinion
• Part III (1-2 Paragraphs) – Poem three - Analysis and your opinion
• Part IV (1-2 Paragraphs) - Your personal analysis of the works
• Conclusion (1 Paragraph) 

The D & F Essay

• Less than the requirements
• Incomplete

The C Essay

• Fulfills the criteria
• At least four body paragraphs, an intro and conclusion 
• Analyzes three poems: one sonnet, one poetry 180 poem, and one of your choice 
• Good understanding of three poems 
• General thesis statement

The B Essay

• Covers the basics of the C essay and...
• Has the C elements 
• Uses literary devices 
• Three poems are carefully chosen and analyzed in depth 
• Specific thesis statement

The A Essay

• Covers the more advanced elements of the B essay and...
• Has a thematic link among all three poems 
• Literary devices are analyzed in how they make meaning in the works
• Smooth transitions from idea to idea
• Poems are complex and lend themselves to analysis 
• The writing is passionate about the poems and uses literary devices properly
• Nuanced thesis statement

Make sure to use proper format and include a works cited.