Pasternack: English 10 -- Explication Essay

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[edit] Pasternack: Explication Essay

First Draft Due: Friday, 1/29, on the Web (I will be available 3-5 in Pentium 333 Lab).

Comments Due on Draft 1: Thursday, 214, on the Web

Second Draft Due: Monday, 218, on the Web

Format: Consult Success in English Courses for standard guidelines about margins, spacing, etc.

Length: 4-5 pp.

Purpose: To analyze a poem using all that you have learned about how poems express meaning through literal statement, figurative language; and elements of sound. To then write an essay that argues a New Critical thesis about the meaning and structure of the poem and that also shows your interest in the poem and conveys. that interest to your readers.

Content: Having chosen a poem from the poetry anthology that we have not discussed extensively in class:

• Argue a thesis about the poem's meaning and use evidence about how that meaning is conveyed by the poem to back up your thesis.
• Work within the principles of New Criticism, as explained by Lynn and stated by Wimsatt.
• Be as specific as you can in your thesis and in your argument.
• Include interpretation of metaphor(s), using the terminology of "tenor" and "vehicle" as appropriate and, if you like, using Ricoeuf's ideas of how metaphor works. May also include analysis of metonymy; synecdoche, symbol, personification, or other appropriate figurative language.
• Include some analysis of how the "music" of the poem (rhythm, alliteration, assonance, and rhyme are possible elements to include as appropriate) help to convey the poem's meaning and attitude.
• Title your essay with a phrase that gives some indication of your thesis about which you are writing.
• Include as an addendum a line-by-line, literal translation of the poem (the literal analysis should not be a part of the essay itself except insofar as explanation of the literal level furthers your argument).

UPLOAD YOUR ESSAY INTO YOUR GROUP'S WEB SITE. Your file should be named with the first three letters of your last name and then "1, as in "pas1'". The location should be: ftp: //archserve. id. ucsb. edu/groupname/pi/. Be sure to include the final slash (but no period at the end--that's my sentence period). Put a print copy in my mailbox.

--MarthineSatris 16:02, 7 August 2007 (PDT)