Description
WRT 201 Poetry Research Paper
Topic: You are to write about the connections you can make between the life, the works, and the time period in which your approved poet lived. Obviously, you must read biographical material about the poet and some of what the poet has written. Discover what life was like for your poet. Which writers influenced your poet? What events would have had greatest impact? What themes dominate your poet’s poems? We will be using databases approved by the BCC library to conduct this research. NOTE: Wikipedia is not an acceptable resource; however, it can be a useful starting point.
General Outline:
The first section of your paper should provide extensive biographical information (this should take the first 1-1/2 to 2 pages). Use multiple sources for this section (I would suggest at least two or three) in order to provide the most complete information.
The second section of your paper will include a copy of a significant poem or two (this should be on its own page; if your poem(s) require more than one page, see me), followed by an analysis of the poem. This may include a discussion of the poem’s rhythm, rhyme scheme, meter, and literary devices such as metaphors, symbols and personification, followed by a reflection upon how those elements enhance the poem’s meaning. (please see Poetry Analysis assignment for specific information).
The third section of your paper will make connections between the author’s life (as outlined in your first section) and the author’s work (as discussed in your second section). To enhance your claims, you will need to explore both biographical and critical information about your poet (another 2 or so sources).
Format: MLA format is required for this assignment, which should be 6-8 pages in length when complete. You MUST include a Works Cited page.
This is the poem to use:
. “No Man Is An Island” by John Donne
No
man is an island,
Entire of itself,
Every man is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thy friend’s
Or of thine own were:
Any man’s death diminishes me,
Because I am involved in mankind,
And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls;
It tolls for thee
