Students will be asked to choose a poem by an American Author, post 1865. Write a 3-5 page “exegesis,” which concerns itself with the form, language, imagery, and theme of the poem. The expectation is that there will be a complete works cited page (review the owl.purdue website).
Format of an exegesis:
1 – Thesis: a short, 2-3 sentence paragraph telling the reader the poem you have chosen, and a general, superficial understanding of the text.
2 – Form: Tell the reader if the poem falls into a particular form. Is it a sonnet (14 lines), villanelle, or other commonly accepted form? Does it follow traditional rules? Does it assist the reader in developing a better understanding for the poem?
3 – Language/Sound: Does the poem rhyme, or is it in “free verse”? Have a strict rhythmic meter (e.g. iambic pentameter)? If there are rhymes, are they complex or simple? Do they occur regularly and predictably? Does the poet use complex language? Jargon? Abstract/figurative language? Pointed political comments?
4 –Imagery: How does the poet use imagery to portray their message? Are the images written about complex? Dark? Beautiful? Uplifting? Etc…
5 – Theme: What is the greater message behind the superficial reading (this may take a bit of independent research)? How does the poet portray this?
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