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Appreciation of Literature, fall 2007
Essay #2
Due in class Oct. 24
Possible topics for the second essay:
- Write a poem yourself, consciously employing techniques discussed in class and/or in the reading.
Length, subject matter, form, etc. are up to you, but be attentive to issues such as word choice,
metaphorical languages, sounds, and rhythm. Then, write at least one page explaining the choices you made
in writing the poem.
- Compare and contrast an earlier and later draft of the same poem, considering why the author made these
revisions, and how they improve the poem. Two options: D.H. Lawrence, “Piano” (published version on page 8,
see me for a copy of the earlier draft), Robert Frost, “Design” (final version 590, earlier draft 613).
- Explicate a poem, unfolding its most interesting and significant techniques. Recommended poems for this
topic: Robert Browning, “My Last Duchess” (12-14), Andrew Marvell, “To His Coy Mistress” (483-84),
Marianne Moore, “Poetry” (486-87), Allen Ginsberg, "A Supermarket in California" (454-55). Substitutions
will be considered if discussed with me well in advance.
- Poetry has been defined as “things that are true expressed in words that are beautiful” (Dante), “the
clear expression of mixed feelings” (Auden), or “that stuff in books that doesn’t reach to the margins”
(anonymous). (Further definitions appear in Gioia and Kennedy, particularly on 353-356.) Write an essay
defining poetry for yourself, using examples from class discussion and/or the readings to demonstrate your
argument.
- I am also open to the possibility of other topics related to poetry, if you discuss your idea with me
well in advance of the due date.
Ground rules:
Whichever topic you choose, the essay should be 3-4 full pages long, double-spaced, with normal margins
and font (12 point Times New Roman is standard). Be sure to number the pages, and give your essay a title.
Do document everything according to MLA style, but don’t do any additional research beyond the texts read
in class or mentioned in the assignment. I want to see your original thinking about the texts themselves.
As you choose a topic, keep in mind that I would like to see at least one “creative” and at least one
“critical” essay from each of you over the course of the semester – even if you have a preference for one,
you should have some experience with both.
As you write, keep in mind that I do not accept late papers. Please plan ahead for emergencies.
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