Write a 2 page essay analyzing 2 poems of at least 14 lines – 1 written before 1900 and 1 written after 1900. Analyze the language for meaning, imagery, diction, and context. Analyze the poem’s structure for rhyme, rhythm, stanzas, and form.
Compare the two poems to show how the poems share similar elements as well how the two poems contrast elements. The more in depth, focused, and specific your analysis, the clearer your paper will be.
Examine the specific language that each poet uses. You will be arguing that there is a clearer meaning of each poem when it is examined next to another poem. You may wish to choose 2 poems that have similar themes or subjects. Be sure to show how examining the poems reveals meaning for both of them. Remember that you are NOT writing two separate poem analyses, but arguing how each poem’s meaning can be better understood by comparing it to the other poem you have chosen to analyze.
Be sure to focus ONLY on the poems. Do not use “I”, “you”, “we” or, “the reader” . DO NOT USE GENERAL STATEMENTS such as, ” Women feel that”, or “love is important” or “Since the beginning of time.” Do not state your subjective opinion of the poem, such as “sad, exciting, flows, mysterious, or happy.” Your task to is demonstrate what techniques the poet used to write the poem. Focus only on the words on the page. Be sure to write what is true ONLY for the poem. NEVER PASS UP AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE MORE SPECIFIC! Check grammar!
