For this paper, please write a thesis-driven argument that explores a topic or theme of your choice. You will choose one poem as the focus of your paper. This prompt is completely open-ended so you may write about what interests you the most, but please do consider literary terms and contexts to help you analyze the text. Papers will be assessed according to the criteria listed below.
1. Argumentation Papers should work to prove an original thesis statement.
2. Structure Papers should make use of the claims/evidence model for argumentative writing. Individual paragraphs should be carefully organized and well-developed. Intros and conclusions will be assessed according to specific criteria provided in class and on the grading rubric.
3. Comprehension & Interpretation of Text Papers should demonstrate full comprehension of the text under analysis and include well-supported interpretation.
4. Sentence Level Clarity & Precision
For this paper, you may write about any of the poems listed below. Choose only one.
A Supermarket in California by Allen Ginsberg
Ode to the Internet by Marcus Wicker
Conjecture on the Stained Glass Image of White Christ at Ebenezer Baptist Church by Marcus Wicker
Here are some questions to consider as you brainstorm for this paper.
1. Why did the writer create this text? What ultimate message does the text convey? Why is this message worth addressing?
2. What are the major themes in this text, and how do they speak to the human condition? In other words, what do we learn about the human experience by reading this text?
3. How do the authors choices regarding symbolism, style, and language affect the ultimate message of the text?
4. How does the author make use of specific literary devices in the text? (Symbol, metaphor, character, setting, image, etc)
As you brainstorm and prewrite, think about the ideas that came up on our discussion boards. What did you find to be most interesting in those threads? What did you have strong feelings about? Which points do you feel are worth arguing and exploring in a paper? Remember, there are no correct answers when interpreting literature, but all claims must be supported with sound textual evidence.
