POEM ESSAY

ROCK AND ROLL
ENG 102-0LW & LIT 105-0LW
SPRING 2022
POEM ESSAY
Choose any poem we have covered in class and write an analysis of its theme (its explicit or
implicit message). A clear thesis might follow one of the following structures:
1. The theme of [“name of the poem”] is _____ [state the theme—your claim] because
_____ [the reasoning behind your claim].
2. The theme of [“name of poem”] is _____, which can be seen it its use of [literary
devices].
3. The [literary devices] in [“name of poem”] reveal its underlying theme/message to be
__________.
Remember: A poem’s theme or message is different from its topic. For example, a poem’s topic
might be “love”—but you do not want your thesis to say something like: “Shakespeare’s poem is
about love” or “Giovanni’s poem is about race.” Those thesis statements are too obvious and
simplistic. You want to identify what the poets are saying about love or about race—how are
they defining these terms, what problems do they pose, or what conclusions do they present?
Writing Guidelines:
• Think of a creative title for your paper that reflects your thesis statement.
• Make sure that your introduction is developed (4-5 sentences). Your introduction can
provide background information about the poet or the subject of the poem.
• Put titles of poems in “quotation marks.” Use authors’ full names the first time you
mention them and then their last names.
• Place your thesis at the end of your introduction.
• Begin each of your body paragraphs with transitional topic sentences that connect back to
your thesis.
• Use at least one direct quotation from the poem you chose in each of your body
paragraphs but do not quote more than three lines of the poem at a time.
• Make sure to clearly explain how this cited evidence reflects or proves the theme you
have listed in your thesis. Imagine each paragraph is a “quote sandwich,” where you state
your claim, provide a quote, and explain how/why that quote supports your claim through
analysis of its language. Do not start or end paragraphs with quotations.
• Try to use at least three literary terms from the Writing about Poetry Handout, but do not
force them into the paper.
• This essay is meant to be your interpretation of a song we’re covering; do not just copy an
interpretation or analysis you find on a website.
• Make sure that your conclusion is developed (4-5 sentences). Your conclusion should not
restate what you have already said in the paper. The conclusion should put your paper in
the light of a bigger context. (For example, your conclusion can discuss how the poem
you chose speaks to contemporary readers).
Format and Citation Guidelines
Your essay should be written in MLA format with the following regulations:
• Double-spaced, minimum of four FULL pages (not counting works cited page).
• Times New Roman 12 point font
• 1” margins around the entire text
• Paragraph spacing before and after should be 0 point
• Header with your last name and the page number ½” down from the top right on every
page
• Your name, instructors’ names, class names, and date in the left corner of the first page
only
• Title centered
• ½” indent to start paragraphs
• Place Works Cited on the last page
The final draft is due on Blackboard on Friday April 15
th before midnight.
This essay is worth 20% of your final grade (200 points).
Remember, if you are caught plagiarizing, then you will fail.
Good luck!