Paper 1 – Poetry Explication

For your first paper, write an explication of any one of the poems we’ve read in class. Your paper should start with a thorough narration of the poem itself, leaving no stone unturned. Be sure to utilize the vocabulary that we learned in class regarding the poem’s rhythm, rhyme, meter, etc.

After you’ve told the poem’s story, write an interpretation of what the poem means. Remember, while there are no incorrect interpretations, there are unconvincing ones, so try to persuade your reader. To do this, your paper must have a strong, clear argument. The best way to convince your reader by referring back to your explication as evidence.

I will be grading you based on:

  1. A strong thesis,
  2. Evidence that supports the thesis;
  3. Overall organization and structure;
  4. Clear writing;
  5. Proper formatting (including quotations).

Length: 700-800 words, typed, double-spaced

Format: Word or PDF attachment

Due: February 27 by 11:59 PM via e-mail (bnelson@ccny.cuny.edu)