I HAVE INCLUDED THE FULL LIST OF THE POEMS I CAN USE THINKING IT WOULD HELP THE WRITER; IF IT IS BETTER FOR ME TO PICK PLEASE LET ME KNOW ASAP. NO OUTSIDE SOURCES OR CITING IS NEEDED OTHER THAN THE POEMS THEMSELVES:
For our Final exam in the course, I would like you to apply what you have learned in analyzing two poems, one in traditional form (Group A -See below) and one in free verse (Group B). Pick one poem from each group and explain them as fully as possible (50 points each).
Group A (Tradtional Poems)- Pick one: To an Athlete Dying Young, 425; Sir Patrick Spens, 389; She Walks in Beauty, 404; When I Have Fears, 431; Miniver Cheevy, 456; Anecdote of the Jar, 467; Solitary Reaper, 478; Boy at the Window, 476.
Group B- Pick one: Daystar, 412; Constantly Risking Absurdity, 415; Nikki Rosa, 419; A Supermarket in California, 418; How to Eat Alone, 421; The River Merchant’s Wife: A Letter, 450; The Writer, 476.
PART ONE:
For one poem from Group A, begin by establishing the predominant meter of the poem: type of foot (iambic, etc.) and number of feet (trimeter, etc.) If appropriate, identify the traditional stanzaic form of the poem (sonnet, ballad, etc). ( Refer to the Module on Form, ch. 7).
For one poem from Group B, identify specifically what the poet has done to create rhythm in the work- what patterns of repitition do you notice which lead to a satisfying sense of movement in the poem?
PART TWO:
For both poems, do a full analysis of the work applying the concepts and terms from the course in your explanation….the more the better. Try to work in as many areas below as you can. I’ll remind you in order of the modules we did, but you need not answer in that order…just label your writing clearly.
Pattern (Module 2): How is the poem shaped? structured? How does it move from beginning to middle to end?
Image (3): Identify elements of the imagery in the poem- strong sensory details which enhance the work.
Metaphor/Simile (4): Explain how any figurative language works to add meaning to the poem. Specifically explain the meaning of any metaphors, similes, personifications you notice.
Symbol (5): Do you find any symbols? Are they private? public? What seems to be their intention? their meaning?
Words (6): What diction choices has the author made?
Form (7): Do an analysis of rhyme/ alliteration/ assonance- be as specific as possible.
Persona (8): Describe the speaker of the poem; what can we tell about the persona the author uses to “tell the poem”? Is it the autobiographical “I”? a public voice? an ironic narrator? a dramatic monologue?
Tone (8): What is the tone of the poem? Is it serious? comic? elegaic? satirical? What other adjectives might describe the author’s attitude toward the subject chosen?