AP Literature and Composition

Imitation Passage: Poetry Response

Fall 2017, T2

The purpose of these IP Responses is to expose you to more poetry than we can possibly cover in class and to engage you in thoughtful reading of poetry without fear of “wrong” interpretations. Take time to think about the texts you read during IP Response and see how much you can get out of them on your own. You will use the Elements of Literature textbook (purple book) to complete these independent responses.

Here's what to do:

1. Follow the instructions on the previous IP handout.

5. Write at least one page, typed, double-spaced, in which you discuss the poem. Begin by stating/explaining the poem's overall idea. Then discuss how the poet uses devices (figures of speech, diction, imagery, choice of detail, syntax, structure, tone, symbolism, sound, rhyme, rhythm, etc.) to achieve his//her overall idea. Don't forget about SIFT and TP-CASTT. These might prove helpful in finding more to discuss in this informal analysis. You are exploring here, so you may use a conversational style.

IP #8—Due Wednesday, November 1

“To His Coy Mistress” by Andrew Marvell

Read pp. 240-242. Explore the poem by paraphrasing the poet's main ideas, including the points of his persuasion and what he is trying to persuade his love to do. Tell how the poet uses hyperbole to reinforce his point and why you do or don't think his argument is a good one. Would it work today? Why or why not?

IP#9—Due Wednesday, November 8:

“The Passionate Shepherd to His Love” by Marlowe & “The Nymph's Reply to the Shepherd” by Raleigh

Read pp. 232-237 because they will help you to understand the companion pastoral poems of Marlowe and Sir Walter Raleigh. Note the meaning of pastoral poetry. Explore the poems by paraphrasing each speaker's argument, then react by telling which is more convincing and why.

IP #10—Due Wednesday, November 15:

“Sonnet 30” by Edmund Spenser

Read pp217-220 in your book because these pages will help you understand the sonnet form and the selected sonnets. Explore “Sonnet 30” by stating the poet's main point, doing a sentence-by-sentence paraphrase in modern-day English, explaining what literary devices the poet uses to make his point, and reacting personally to the main idea.

IP#11—Due Wednesday, November 29:

“Sonnet 75” by Edmund Spenser, p219

Explore “Sonnet 75” using the same pattern as the previous IP.