English 201-3004 Introduction to Literature Spring 2022
Instructor: Professor Yolande Brener
Poetry Assignment
Proposal 02/17
First Draft 02/24
Final Draft 03/10
Please submit via Blackboard.
In this essay you will present a personal reaction, opinion or analysis of one or more poems. You can choose any of the stories in the textbook, but it might help if you choose one of the poems we discuss in class.
Here are some options:
1. Analyze in depth a particular poem. You can talk about the structure, the meaning, the appearance on the page, the symbolism, the way it connects to the writer’s life, or any other aspect of the poem that inspires you.
2. Write a poem inspired by one of the poems in the textbook. If you choose this option you will need to write a page (200-250 words) explaining what inspired you in the original poem, and how you have used it to create a new work.
3. Maybe you don’t like poetry and don’t relate to any of the works we have looked at so far. Write an opinion piece stating why you feel this way. Use examples, citing sections from poems we have looked at. The Oxford English Dictionary defines poetry as “Literary work in which the expression of feelings and ideas is given intensity by the use of distinctive style and rhythm.” If the literary works called poems don’t appeal to you, what—for you—epitomizes these qualities of beauty, intensity and emotion?
Rubric
A –The essay is interesting, original, and focused. It is easy to follow, has a clear beginning, middle and end and sticks to the point. The writing shows comprehension of work we have studied in class.
B— Paper is mostly consistent and interesting but lacks focus in parts, or is difficult to follow. The writing shows some comprehension of work we have studied in class.
C— Paper is somewhat consistent and has some points of interest but is mostly confusing. The writing shows little comprehension of work we have studied in class.
D — Paper shows some effort but either doesn’t use textbook material or does not make sense.
F— There is no paper.
