poetry paper

English 2311 Fall 2016

Final Exam: Poetry

Choose THREE of the following topics and write a brief essay (of about 2 pp.) on each one. I am not interested in the length of your essay but in the quality of perception that it displays. Accordingly, show me as best you can the abilities that you are able to concentrate on the interpretation of poetry. Please return the exam to me by December 10 (at the latest). Staple the exam sheet to the essay papers, and slide them under my office door (260 Dallas Hall). You may also e-mail me the exam.

1. Discuss Shakespeare's reference to false comparison at the conclusion of Sonnet 130: “My Mistress’ Eyes Are Nothing Like the Sun.” What is the relation between that final idea and the argument about comparisons in the rest of the poem? What seems to be the basis of a true comparison?

2. Discuss Larkin’s use of the image of “arrow-showers” in “The Whitsun Weddings.” How does that image bring the train journey and the weddings to this point of con-clusion. How is the notion of a future suggested?

3. Discuss the use of light and darkness in Byron’s “She Walks in Beauty.” Light

and darkness are usually viewed as opposites. How are they used here to convey

the beauty of the lady? Do not write about light and darkness as abstract ideas.

Write about the language that is used to give us Byron’s images of light and darkness as they figure in the lady’s beauty.

4. In Browning’s “My Last Duchess,” the Duke, who is the speaker, claims not to have any "skill / In speech" (35-36). Study examples of his diction, or word choice, and judge the accuracy of his claim. Why does he call attention in this manner to his way of speaking? What might he mean by "skill / In speech"? What qualities of character might he give to a skillful speaker? Why does he make this point to the person to whom he is speaking?

(if you have not saved a copy of one of these poems, google the author’s name and the poem’s title to get a new copy.)