nstructions

Write a literary analysis related to one or two (no more) of the readings for Module 2. This essay is formal in nature, so please employ the standards of academic writing, avoiding informal point-of-view using I/you/your; contractions; slang and other informal language. Use correct grammar and mechanics, and be sure to proofread carefully.

The essay should NOT spend any time retelling the poem/poems chosen. Instead, the entire focus should be on analyzing the work(s) and looking at three elements and/or literary devices of your choice (see pp. 427-460 in Literature: A Pocket Anthology) and how they work individually as well as with each other in the poem. As you address how these elements and/or literary devices work in the poem, an interpretation of the poem can come to life. You may be able to develop one or more of the ideas presented in your Short Paper assignment if those ideas will help you analyze the three elements/literary devices you choose for this formal essay. Please be sure to use quotes of the poem/poems to support every assertion and use proper MLA in-text citations (lines are used instead of page numbers for poetry—the word “lines” is used ONLY the first time, after that, list only the line numbers): (lines 12-15) (43-44).

In terms of organization:

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Write a three-point thesis in your introduction. This will preview the three main elements and/or literary devices that your analysis will focus on so the reader will know what to expect in the body of the essay.

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Begin each body paragraph with a strong, clearly identifiable topic sentence that sets up what each particular paragraph will focus on.

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Use transitions within paragraphs and when moving from idea to idea or from paragraph to paragraph (one, another, in addition to, to begin, furthermore, finally—see pp. 79-80 in A Writer’s Resource for more ideas). 

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Be sure your conclusion paragraph gives your readers a sense of completion, referring to your original thesis in some clear way.  See the top of p. 69 in A Writer’s Resource for more about how to write an effective conclusion.

Focusing on the following for EACH of the three literary devices you chose to discuss will put you on the right path:

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What examples of the elements and/or literary devices you chose to focus on are present in the poem?

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Why are the elements and/or literary devices you chose, as well as the examples, IMPORTANT to the poem, each other, or the overall effect the author is working to achieve?

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What IS the overall effect the author is working to achieve with the use of these elements and/or literary devices and examples present in the poem?

This draft MUST be in proper MLA format and be AT LEAST 1000-1300