Process Paper: Poetry Analysis Essay

Process Paper: Poetry Analysis Essay

Overview:

Practicing the skills that we have discussed as part of the Verse Question on the Free Response Section of the AP Lit exam, select a 16th – 18th century poem to compose an argumentative analysis over. As part of this assignment, you must develop a thesis that compellingly shows how the poetic and literary devices of the poem convey theme and meaning. You must select at least two devices (though, for the length of the paper, more than two are recommended).

Poem Selection:

You may use my resources or do independent research to select a 16th – 18th century English-language poem to analyze. The poem must not be shorter than ten (10) lines, though be cautious about choosing a shorter poem—there may not be enough material for a 600-800 word paper. Likewise, with longer poems, do not choose a poem so ungainly in length that cannot be analyzed in such a short span. Select a poem that is interesting to you.

Expectations:

Follow the rubric designed collaboratively by the class. As usual, process papers should be typed, double spaced, and MLA formatted. Font must be Times New Roman or Courier New only. Please make sure to include parenthetical citations for line numbers (you may need to number the lines yourself). Paper must be between 600-800 words in length.

Due Dates:

Poem must be selected and approved by Ms. Elliott by 9 PM on Wednesday, August 31. You can speak to me in person or email me the poet’s name, title of the work, and publication date.

Analysis paper is due by midnight on Wednesday, September 7 (at Turnitin).

Questions/Advice/Assistance:

If you feel like you need assistance in selecting a poem, deciphering a poem, or if you would like feedback on your rough draft, please make an appointment to see me in tutorials or conference time (when available). I’m here to help!

Grading Rubric:

Performance Criteria (Weighted at 25% each) / Effective / Adequate / Inadequate
Thesis Statement & Argumentative Content / Student effectively employs a convincing thesis statement containing two literary techniques or devices, and convincingly argues their connection to a theme found in the work. / Student has an argumentative thesis statement that connects two literary techniques or devices to a theme found in the work. / Student has unsuccessfully attempted to employ a thesis statement that connects two literary techniques or devices to a theme found in the work, or student has neglected to include a thesis all together.
Assertions & Connection to the Text / Student effectively employs two quotes from the text in each body paragraph and connects quotes to the theme with their own convincing analysis. / Student employs two quotes from the text in each body paragraph and connects the quotes to the theme with analysis. / Student does not employ two quotes from the text in each body paragraph and/or unsuccessfully connects the quotes to the theme with analysis.
Thematic Statement & Conclusion / Student has a summative, compelling conclusion in which the theme of the work is addressed and expanded upon with a convincing thematic statement in the final sentences. / Student has a conclusion in which the theme of the work is addressed and expanded upon with a thematic statement in the final sentences. / Student lacks a conclusion, or has a conclusion in which the theme of the work is unsuccessfully addressed with a thematic statement in the final sentences, or is missing a thematic statement all together.
Grammar, MLA, & Written Conventions / Essay is typed and double-spaced, formatted appropriately according to MLA guidelines, including parenthetical citations within the text. Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are flawless. / Essay is typed and double-spaced, formatted appropriately according to MLA guidelines, including parenthetical citations within the text. Spelling, grammar, and punctuation show signs of proofreading and attention. / Essay is typed and not double-spaced, or not formatted appropriately according to MLA guidelines, and may or may not include parenthetical citations within the text. Spelling, grammar, and punctuation do not show signs of proofreading or attention.