Textual Analysis and Historical Context 

Assignment:  

In this essay, you are required to choose at least one poem from a specific time period by a single poet we have studied in class. Students must analyze the poems for meaning, style, tone, and the use of various poetic elements. In addition, students must utilize at least one secondary source that provides a historical, biographical, or cultural context for their chosen material.   

Your textual analysis of the poem should be thorough and work with your research. There should be a paraphrase of the poem, an attempt to categorize it, and a  thorough analysis of poetic elements such as tone, word choice, imagery, point of view, irony, and use of figurative language. As well as a brief biography of your poet and plenty of historical and cultural context to back up your analysis.  

Advice:  

The best essays will have a logical structure that balances a thorough analysis with researched historical and cultural information. They will demonstrate how each poetic element was specifically selected to contribute to the poem’s overall message and attempt to determine why the poet made that choice. In addition, the best essays will conduct their analysis using clear, concise, and engaging language.