1. SOME TOOLS FOR PLANNING ESSAYS Seriously…writing requires forethought.

2. Decide on Key Points First. PointShakespeareMillay Speaker Alike [ X ] Different [ ] Example: The speaker is, ostensibly, the author, writing to, or inspired by, an undisclosed beloved. Example: The speaker is the author, esp. since she inserts her self directly in the final quatrain and the couplet. Theme Alike [ ] Different [ ] Tone Alike [ ] Different [ ] Figurative Language Alike [ ] Different [ ] Style Alike [ ] Different [ ] Author’s Background Alike [ ] Different [ ]

3. Developing the topic: Point-by-point PointShakespeare Sonnet 18 Millay Sonnet 30 If you use this organizational structure, your essay will have a beginning paragraph as normal (background, hook, and thesis), but the first BODY paragraph will compare and contrast the SPEAKER from both texts. The next paragraph will compare THEME from both texts; the paragraph after that, FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE, and so on. 1.Speaker 2. Theme 3. Figurative Language 4. Style 5. Tone 6. Author’s background

4. Developing the topic: subject-by- subject SelectionSpeakerToneFigurative Language StyleToneAuthor’s Background Shakespeare Sonnet 18 Millay Sonnet 30 If you use this organizational structure, your essay will address all your points as they relate to the Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18, followed by a paragraph addressing all your points as they relate to Millay’s Sonnet 30.

5. Some Reminders  Always, always, always, always, ALWAYS, read the prompt! Be sure you know what is being asked of you. More than one brilliant writer has flubbed their test because they misread the prompt.  My suggestion: Circle the key elements of the prompt so you absolute are aware of what is being asked. Write a literary analysis that compares and contrasts Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18 and Millay’s Sonnet 30 and how these works handle themes of love.