The World of Poetry – Analysis Assignment
For this intro assignment for ENG4U, you will be choosing a poem listed below. You will then analyze the poem, research the poet, and write a speech which incorporates all the information. You will need to submit your rough notes (can be point form), a good copy of your speech, and a Works Cited page.
Follow these steps to complete this assignment:
1. Select a poem you have not studied before, from the list below. Be sure your poem is one you are enthusiastic about; you should like at least some aspects of the poem.
2. Research the life and times of the poet. Find out what was going on in the poets life at the time he or she wrote the poem and how the poem reflects those events. At the very least, determine some basic facts about the poets life: when and where he or she lived; his or her early life and education; his or her career and family life; and his or her major accomplishments. Take careful notes and remember to write down where you obtained this information! Wikipedia is not a valid website.
3. Read your poem and complete an analysis of it. Consider who is speaking in the poem and who is being spoken to.
What is about the poem that appeals to you?
What poetic techniques does the poet use and how are they effective?
What is the main idea or theme of the poem?
Analyze the rhyme scheme if there is one and note important words and phrases as well as punctuation. Remember to use support from the text.
4. Once you have completed steps 1-3, you need to compile the information into a speech. Make sure you use proper speech format and use MLA. The rubric which follows will be used to evaluate your speech.
5. You will also need to complete a Works Cited page.
You do not need to record your speech, but it would be good practice as you will have to record some audio this term. Please submit the typed copy and the audio (if you chose to) in the Dropbox by Tuesday @ 11:59 PM.
Poem Choices:
The Rose That Grew from Concrete Tupac Shakur
The Road Not Taken Robert Frost
Having a Coke with You Frank OHara
Still I Rise Maya Angelou
We Real Cool Gwendolyn Brooks
