1. Social Commentary Poetry Essay

2. Analytical Essay
The analytical essay challenges you to examine your own poem and determine its meaning and the techniques that you used to make the meaning come to life.
The prospect of writing an entire essay about your poem may require you to challenge yourself with your poem and make it even better.

3. Essay at a glance
Intro: So what is this poem all about? Analysis of the meaning and the use of poetic devices. Body: 1. Poetic Devices 2. Connotative vs. Denotative (obvious vs. not so obvious) meaning 3. What could/would/should do differently? Conclusion: Enforcing your ideas. Are you happy with your poem? What was your opinion of the process?

5. Thesis The thesis is the first thing that you have to do.
Thesis statements are declarative statements. You are declaring something about your paper.
CPA High School
English class
McDonalds
2016…

6. Poetic Devices and Theme
Do Not Stand at my Grave and Weep
by Mary Elizabeth Frye
Do not stand at my grave and weep:
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starshine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry:
I am not there; I did not die.
Poetic Devices and Theme
Poetic Device
Potential Theme/Message/Mood
THEME: Topic + Opinion
THESIS: The heart of your paper. What do you wish to prove?

7. Poetic Devices and theme
You must have used and identify
poetic devices in your poem.
You must also identify the theme
of your poem.

8. Thesis contd’
You must create a declarative statement about your own poem.
You must identify a poetic device and the theme of the poem.
You must title your poem so that you can refer to it easily.
Your thesis will be the first sentence of your essay.
You will then write your thesis on white paper and
post it around the room. Don’t bother putting names
on your sheet.
If you get a checkmark from 3 different people,
including me then you are good to go.

9. Thesis statement gallery walk
You will walk around and see if the thesis statements include:
Name of your poem
Declarative/ Strong
Poetic Devices
Theme
Example: Jenna Stanley’s poem “Ode to Oliver” makes use of vivid imagery and humorous hyperbole to convey that pets are vital to overcoming personal obstacles by offering unconditional love.

10. introduction
OK, so you have a thesis statement and therefore a first sentence for your essay.
Now you must provide a road map to your reader of what you are going to do to prove your thesis statement.

11. Sample Intro
Jenna Stanley’s poem “Ode to Oliver” makes use of vivid imagery and humorous hyperbole to convey that pets are vital to overcoming personal obstacles by offering unconditional love. Without imagery the ode would fall flat and not be able to communicate the depth of love and appreciation that the genre demands. Hyperbole is a strong poetic choice considering the lighthearted subject matter, but does not undercut the power of the overall message. It may seem like a simplistic poem, but the specific experiences in each stanza develop so that Wilbur becomes a symbol for all pets and the power that they have over our lives.

12. Sample Body One
Poetic choices are personally made and publically appreciated. The choices made by Stanley in “Ode to Oliver” provided an access point into a poem about a specific cat. Imagery sets a loving mood by describing Wilbur’s fur as “thick and silky, downy/ and fluffy”(3). It may seem excessive, but this tactile imagery brings Oliver into focus. It is specific and creative and brings Wilbur to life. As the poem progresses the imagery changes to visual: “He skips and hops,/ skating along the floor” (8). Oliver’s personality is dancing on the page and he is truly coming to life. The ode genre is fulfilled by this joyous imagery. Often the imagery exaggerates Oliver’s features, but these are not the only instances of exaggeration. Hyperbole is…

13. Tuesday, April 5th (no lates)
Checklist
Essay Outline – Due: Tuesday, March 29 (feedback given by teacher)
First draft – Due: Friday, April 1 (feedback given by teacher)
One poem that is typed up and printed off!!
One typed Final Draft Essay, double spaced, MLA Format, 12 pt. font Times New Roman.
Min. 500 words
Max. 750 words
All stapled together and passed in on……
Tuesday, April 5th (no lates)