Poetry Evaluation Essay
The purpose of this assignment is to compare and contrast and evaluate two poems from the selected readings of Unit I. This process will also involve analyzing and understanding each story separately. Essentially, you will answer the questions, “How is one poet’s handling of the theme of the poet better than the others?” You will not simply make an observation about how an element is used in those stories, or summarize the stories, or make an observation about what the theme is, but rather answer the question, “Why?” Answering this question gives you a better possibility to have a good thesis statement. Obviously, this is a personal opinion and the question has no one correct answer. It is up to you to use evidence within and outside of the poem to prove your point.
For this purpose, you must choose two poems that have a common theme. Your essay should clearly state why these poems are comparable, but also talk about how they differ from each other in their ultimate thematic message. Note that for you to compare two poems, you don’t have to pretend or believe that they match exactly. A good essay will tell the reader 1) why these poems are worthy of comparison, 2) how they differ from one another, and 3) how does comparing the two stories enhance our understanding of both, and 4) Why, ultimately, you think one does a better job at conveying its message over the other.[unique_solution]
Follow this format for the Peer Review:
- Introduction/Thesis Statement
- Bullet points of paragraphs that follow with at least one sample quote using MLA format.
Tentative structure for Final Draft:
Paragraph 1: Introduction that briefly summarizes both the poems. Last line of intro is the thesis
Paragraph 2/3: Detailed analysis of 1st poem, with short quotes from the text and scholarly article, chronologically addresses the points made in the thesis
Paragraph 4/5: Detailed analysis of 2nd poem, quotes from text and article, refers to how 2nd story connects to the 1st, chronologically addresses the points in the thesis, why this poem is better than the 1st
Paragraph 6: Conclusion, tie up loose ends, show why interpretation matters in understanding of one or both stories
Your essay will be graded on the following factors:
- A strong thesis statement with an essay that explores the thesis in its entirety
- Grammar and MLA formatting
- Quotes from your primary text and your two secondary scholarly sources
- Length (no less than 4 pages, no longer than 6 pages, Times New Roman 12 pt font)