ASSIGNMENT OVERVIEW:
This paper is a close reading analysis and
contextualization of 4 lines of one of Plath’s poems.
- For a better understanding of what is meant by a
“close reading analysis,” please revisit the work we did on building a
commentary of “Edge” (attached).
- In terms of “contextualization” you need to
provide and understanding of the lines you picked within the larger frame
of the poem. You should address the lines’ context in terms of the
literal sequence of their place in the poem and more importantly their
functional or figurative significance within the whole of
the poem. It is the effect of the lines on the reader and the function
of them within the poem that should be the basis of your thesis statement.
For this paper you must select 4 lines from one
of the Plath poems we have studied, excluding “Edge:”
“Burning the Letters” |
“Cut” |
“In Plaster” |
“Mirror” |
“Poppies in July” |
“Stillborn” |
“Two Sisters of Persephone” |
“Words heard, by accidence, over the phone” |
BASIC PAPER
REQUIREMENTS:
- Your paper must be 500-650 words long. You must
include your word count (count the words actually in your paper—ignore
your heading and title) at the end of your paper.
- Your paper must be typed, 12 pt. Times or Arial
font, 1” margins.
- You must turn in 2 copies of each “part of your
paper” (as detailed below). You may want to print a 3rd
copy for yourself as a backup.
- You may not submit the parts of your paper to
me via email. However, if you have questions or want to run your thesis
by me before turning the parts of your paper in, you may email them to me.
- Each assignment for this paper is due during a given
week. You may not work on future parts of your paper without
getting my comments.
PARTS OF YOUR PAPER (all parts are mandatory)
Paper Proposal:
Refer to the handout “Writing a Paper Proposal” for the parameters of
this part of your paper in addition to covering the following:
·
The four lines you wish to analyze must be included at the
start of your proposal (before the thesis). Please type them in poetic
form and include a citation after the lines indicating which poem they are
from and which line numbers they are.*
·
Your brief outline should be an outline of the points you plan
to prove with brief references back to words or techniques within the lines
you’ve chosen you plan on using to prove your points.
Your paper proposal is due no later than Wednesday,
11/26 by noon.
(*Since no lines can be used by more than one student,
I highly recommend that you submit your proposal a.s.a.p. to secure your
chances for getting the lines you wish you analyze. First come, first
dibs.)
Draft 1:
AFTER your proposal has been approved, write a
complete first draft of your paper. This draft is due no later than
4 pm, 12/8.
Draft 2:
AFTER getting comments back on draft 1, revise your
paper and submit your second draft. Attach a note with this draft telling
me which two aspects of your paper you want me to comment on. This draft
is due no later than 4 pm, 12/15.
Critical Reflection: tba… If assigned, this will be due before you leave for
winter break.
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