poetry analysis paper

Literary Analysis 1: Poetry Analysis

Objective: Write an in-depth analysis of any of the following poems:

“Hope” by Lisel Mueller

“Morning Poem” by Mary Oliver

“Men” by Maya Angelou

Find poems on internet, and cite the poem in Work Cited section of your paper (see model).

Format: 1. cover page with suggestive title and standard subtitle

Example: Never Give Up:

An Analysis of Tennyson’s “Ulysses”

2. Last name and page# upper right hand corner except title page

3. Line number following each quote from poem

Word Count 750-1000 words

4. INTRO PARAGRAPH

Opening statement that grabs the reader. Interesting introduction which prepares reader for the thesis. Thesis should contain author’s full name, title of work, and focus of analysis.

5. BODY PARAGRAPHS WITH IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS

Slowly and methodically work through the poem to build

understanding and fully prove thesis.

1) Setup or integrate direct quote(s) from primary source.

2) Explain the literal meaning of the quote(s).

3) Interpret beyond the literal where possible.

4) Frequently tie or connect the line(s) to the thesis.

Refer to the author by last name only in the body.

6. CONCLUSION

Reflect on the points and especially show relevancy of theme, message, or literary device to readers today. Mention author’s full name, full title of work, and freshly worded thesis.