Comparing the Theme of Two Poems

• Choose which poem(s) OR creation myths you write will about.
• Choose one of the topics below (must be appropriate for the texts you choose)

Topics for writing about a poem (or poems):

1. Perform a line-by-line explication of a brief poem. Imagine that your audience is unfamiliar with the poem and needs your assistance in interpreting it. Refer to the different elements of poetry and provide examples.
2. Compare and contrast any two (or more) poems or creation myths that treat a theme similarly.
3. Research and write about how the author’s Native American background is reflected in his/her writing (poetry only).
4. Consider and write about possible meanings behind symbolism that appear in a poem, or in various creation myths.
5. Consider and research how gender, socioeconomic class, ethnicity, or conditions of Native American life (reservation life, for example) are reflected in the text(s).
6. Write a comparison and contrast essay on two or more poems by the same poet. Look for poems that share a thematic concern or topic (poetry only).

Additional requirements:

• Minimum of three pages in essay format, complete with paragraphs, topic sentences, and transitions
• Include a thesis statement in your first paragraph
• Use the terms and definitions from “The Elements of Poetry” in your analysis
• Format your essay according to MLA guidelines
• Include examples from the text/s to support your ideas
• Include at least two outside sources from the CCBC library database to support your ideas.
• Include MLA style in-text citations and a Works Cited page

Tips for a successful paper:

• Choose a text and a topic that interests you
• If you are unfamiliar with a word or reference, look it up!
• Put the steps of the writing process to practice
• Use spell and grammar check in Microsoft Word and read your work out loud
• Back up your work (email it to yourself, save it to a flash drive, etc.)
• Follow the guidelines for a C paper outlined in the syllabus
• Refer to the MLA Sample Paper on Blackboard for help with formatting