POETRY ASSIGNMENT: DUE Tuesday, November 17, 2009

ENGLISH 2201
Lisa Cupolo

Poetry Explication Essay Assignment
Value: 10%

Due: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, in class

Format: Times New Roman font in 12-point type; 1” margins all around.
Please include a works cited page as well.
____________________________________________________________________

**
A poetry explication is defined as a relatively short analysis which describes the possible meanings and relationships of the words, images, and other literary devices that make up a poem. Writing an explication is an effective way for a reader to connect a poem's plot and conflicts with its structural features. Select any one (1) of the poems listed below that we have discussed over the course of the semester. In an essay of two to three (2-3) pages, double-spaced, discuss some interesting features of the poem you have chosen; for instance, consider the ways in which vocabulary, syntax and imagery work to develop and reinforce the poem’s tone and discuss the poet’s meter and arrangement and the effect of it.

**
The critical component I am looking for is not only an indication that you understand the basics of the poetic devices and how they reveal and/or contribute to the poem’s meaning BUT ALSO your thoughts on what the poet’s intent in writing the poem might be and/or what theme(s) might be present.
Please remember to quote directly from the poem, minimum five references to the poem.

POEMS TO CHOOSE FROM FOR EXPLICATION (all found in your text):

1, UNKNOWN CITIZEN, by W.H. Auden, pg 690
2, BATTER MY HEART, THREE-PERSONED GOD,FOR YOU pg.709
3, PIED BEAUTY, Gerald Manley Hopkins, pg. 750
4, BRIGHT STAR! WOULD I WERE STEADFAST AS THOU ART, John Keats,pg. 754
5, SHALL I COMPARE THEE TO A SUMMER'S DAY? Shakespeare pg. 767
6, RICHARD CORY, by Edwin Arlington Robinson & Paul Simon, compare these two poems, pg, 792
7, COUNTING THE BEATS, BY Robert Graves, pg. 853
8, UNHOLY SONNET, by Mark Jarman, pg 860
9, UPHILL, by Christina Rossetti, pg 902
10, AFTER GREAT PAIN, A FORMAL FEELING COMES, by Emily Dickinson, pg 1017
11, BECAUSE i COULD NOT STOP FOR DEATH, by Emily Dickinson, pg. 1019
12, O CAPTAIN! MY CAPTAIN! by Walt Whitman, pg. 1002

That was the best class, ever, in terms of discussion!

Thanks, Summer, for bringing us "Imagine" by John Lennon and in turn, a very lively discussion about racism, cultural division and the education system in Memphis. I'm so glad that this discussion began and many of you spoke passionately about your own experiences. I'm sorry for those in the class who weren't there.

Homework for Tuesday, November 11, 2009

1, JOURNALS will be collected (Including a 1-2 page continuation of the class discussion. Many of you didn't get a chance to talk and wanted to, please tell me more of what you think about the subject.

2, Read the poems at left and make entries into your journals. Keep thinking about the poems that light a fire under you. You'll have to choose one other poem (different from the one you present) and write a 2-3 page poetry explication. Details to arrive on Tuesday.

TO MY WONDERFUL POETS!

I am reading your poems now and really enjoying them. Good work!

It was great fun in class today.

**Remember to read the poems at left, make your comments about them in your journals in terms of meaning, style, meter, historical significance, etc.

**Come to class on Thursday prepared to ask a question about the poems or contribute to the discussion by adding a comment or two. It's so much more fun when you participate and it's not just me and a few others talking. I know it's hard but we have a great group and I know everyone has opinions because I've read your work.

Enjoy the sunshine!

ONE MORE THING

"It is difficult
to get the news from poems
yet men die miserably every day
for lack
of what is found there."

--William Carlos Williams
-

GETTING IN THE GROOVE OF POETRY...

Hello Everyone!

It was a much more lively class yesterday. Thanks to everyone who showed up and participated in the class discussions. Sorry to Morgan and Jessica who didn't get a chance to present. You'll get first go on Tuesday.

HOMEWORK FOR NOVEMBER 3, 2009

1 ****WRITE A 10 LINE POEM, with 10 syllables per line (5 beats). If you weren't in class yesterday, read the section on the sonnet in the book to better understand how syllables per line work. (Two syllables make up a beat.) To make it easier (trust me it will make it easier) below is a list of words that I'd like you to use in the poem. For example, the first line of your poem should contain the word 'fire;' the second line 'do,' third line 'far' etc. Give this a try. Just start writing and let the words and images flow. Also, this does not have to rhyme. Do not try to rhyme if it doesn't come to you naturally. My favorite poems do not rhyme. The only requirements are that your poem have ten lines and ten syllables per line.
Here are the words for each line:


POEM ASSIGNMENT

1, FIRE
2, DO
3, FAR
4, RISE
5, LOVE
6, STAND
7, APART
8, TAKE
9, HILLS
10, ROSES


Still confused? Email me at lcupolo@gmail.com


2, Read the poems for Tuesday's class (at left). Make notes in your journals about meaning, meter (that means the set up of the stanzas and the lines and beats per line), and imagery/metaphor.

The rain continues to be gruesome today but it will brighten up tomorrow. Hope you have a horrific and happy Halloween! Be safe!

Who's up next, and the sonnet...! Yahoo

Hi Everyone,
Today was kind of a low energy day in the classroom. I'm just getting over a cold/flu that I had all weekend and it's raining again and I gave back your papers....so I'm sure that is a lot of it. I feel like we need to 'jazz up' our energy about these poems and talk more. The world is not divided up into "poetry people" or "non-poetry people." We are all people hoping to appreciate good writing.
We need to embrace what Robert Frost says about the poem:

Poetry is a way of taking life by the throat.
-Robert Frost


Listen to the sounds of the words and the language used and the arrangement of the lines and muster some wonder about the craft and talent it takes
To put a poem together.

For Thursday,please read the prescribed poems at left and make journal entries for each of them.

Also, read the sonnets section, pg 856 - 862.

1, Write journal notes on "Acquainted with the Night" in regards to its meaning and form
2, Choose one other sonnet to write about in your journal. Choose lines that you like and explain their meaning.

Poems for Tuesday October 27, 2009

Please read the following poems closely and write your reactions in your journal in regards to the poem's style, meaning, verse, diction. Try and have questions prepared for students who are presenting.

1, Frost, "Fire and Ice," --Amanda Voyles
2, Frost, "The Road Not Taken," -- Andrew Walkley
3, Sir Walter Raleigh, "Life" -- Justin Falk (will post this poem at left)
4, Percy Shelley, "Ozymandias" -- Chase Jones
5, Poe, "Annabel Lee" -- Jessica Wargo