Poetry Explication (Essay)

 Essay #1 asks you to explicate a poem. Clearly stated in your own language should be an hypothesis about the poem’s meaning (or meanings). Your paper should support that statement by noting the component elements of the poem (diction, meter, rhyme, and so forth) which suggest that meaning (or meanings). I do not expect statements as broad as “This poem is about life” (or “Death,” “Nature,” “Love,” you get the idea). One excellent approach is to find the central metaphor of the poem (we’ll discuss this in chat). You may choose any of the poems we have read in class OR a separate poem from our textbook. Some things to consider as you prepare: Choose a poem that has a lot going on—a lot to discuss—not just one you like a lot. Focus on the smaller elements of the poem (allusion, meter, rhyme, alliteration, metaphor, symbol, connotation, diction) and discuss their significance. Show that you understand these terms. If you aren’t quite sure how to get started, start with the first line, write about it, and then move to the second. For longer poems, focus on sections or stanzas. As you go through the poem, “Show how each part of the poem contributes to the meaning of the whole” (Kennedy & Gioia 1122). Requirements: Your final essay should be 750-1000 words. It should have a TITLE. You should use 12 point Times New Roman font and double spaced paragraphs. Your margins should be 1” on all sides. YOU MUST CITE THE TEXT using either MLA or APA style. A Works Cited or References page. textbook:Kennedy & Gioia. Backpack Literature. 5th Edition.