Rough Draft Due Monday
Out of Class Essay Assignment:
Choose any poem from the anthology that you want and write a
five paragraph paper analyzing how three literary devices contribute to the
overall meaning of the poem. Choose a strong argument as the central meaning of
your chosen work and then three literary devices that you feel comfortable thus
far in discussing. Work on condensing your argument down to as few of words as
possible and being mindful about how it sounds. Read it out loud to hear how it
sounds, read it to others to make sure that what you truly wish to convey comes
across.
Here are some outstanding thesis statements from Sprague
students over the years:
Sarah James: Auden utilizes structure, descriptive diction,
and figurative language to support his view on human apathy and its development
while witnessing individual suffering as illustrated in Brueghel’s Icarus.
Aimme Gregg: W.H. Auden’s “Musee des Beaux Arts” illustrates
isolation of human emotion to only those directly affected, but conversely
provides an exception as he comments on an artist’s deeper understanding of
humanity through biblical allusion, structure, and descriptive diction.
Brad Dillingham: Auden uses techniques such as allusion,
imagery, and a loose structure in his poem “Musee des Beaux Arts” to bring
attention to Icarus’ abandonment in the painting.
Transitions: Make sure to transition from one POA point to
the next.
Topic Sentences should connect to argument
Conclusion: Should state why it matters
