Introduction
Good day students, i hope you are doing well :)
Please watch the following video which serves an introduction on how to write a poetry essay before starting on your assignment:
Task
After reading and listening to poem Still I Rise by Maya Angelou with close reference to the diction, imagery and tone, you are required to choose one theme and discuss how that theme is highlighted in the poem. Support your discussion with evidence from the text.
Essay outline:
- Introduction- background information and central idea
- Body paragraph 1- first poetic device
- Body paragraph 2-second poetic device
- Body paragraph 3- third poetic device
- Conclusion- review of main points and "so what?" factor
Before you write:
- Think about how the poets stylistic choices(rhyme scheme, figurative language and literary devices) contribute to the overall structure, meaning and impact the poem
- Make sure you have all the notes you need
- Re-read the poem and write down additional comments
- Choose 3 literary devices you are going to discuss in your poem
Structure of body paragraphs:
- use topic sentence to begin your paragraph
- choose ONE poetic device and discuss THREE examples from the poem
- explain how the device signifies/expresses meaning
Process
Poetry essay tips:
- Your essay must have a central idea(stated in your introduction) that governs its development
- Your essay must be organised so that every part contributes something to the readers understanding of the central idea
- Assume that your reader is not familiar with the author or poem
- Tell your reader what the poem is about(not what happens but what the happenings add up to)
- Write in the present tense!
Essential analysis questions:
- What purpose does this poetic/literary device serve?
- How does the author communicate his/her purpose through this device?
- Why do readers have this response to the poetic device?
Body paragraph:
- topic sentence
- first example
- supporting quote
- commentary/connection
- second example
- supporting quote
- commentary/connection
- third example
- supporting quote
- commentary/connection
- wrap up sentence
Conclusion:
- restate your main points
- explain why you think the author felt the topic discussed in the poem was important
- explain how the topic/main idea of the poem relates to the outside world
Evaluation
Use the following rubric as a guide when writing your essay:
Conclusion
This essay will help you prepare for your upcoming exams and will also count towards your term mark for English Home Language. You have 1 week to complete the assignment.
Please follow the rubric closely when writing your essay.
GOOD LUCK!!!
Credits
Use the links provided to help you gain additional information:
- How to analyse a poem in 6 steps: https://www.teachforamerica.org/stories/how-to-analyze-a-poem-in-6-steps
- How to analyse poetry: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-analyze-poetry#5-things-to-consider-when-analyzing-poetry
- How to analyse a poem in 6 steps| Dos and Don'ts: https://www.matrix.edu.au/beginners-guide-poetry/how-to-analyse-a-poem-in-6-steps/
- How to write a poetry essay: https://penandthepad.com/make-analysis-poem-10045596.html
Teacher Page
Student Name: Thebus. ST
Student Number: 219109095