Assignment:
You may choose to write about any of the following poems:
"On the Amtrak from Boston to New York City" (677), "To Live in the Borderlands Means You" (1068), "Love Song" (750), "Folsom Prison Blues" (601), "Daystar" (805), "Love in Place" (751), "Those Winter Sundays" (806), "Rites of Passage" (808), or "For the white person who wants to know how to be my friend" (1073). Spend some time deciding which poem you'd like to write about. You do not have to read all of the poems on the list, but I do suggest glancing over several of them so that you can find one that really appeals to you.
Answer the following prompt in your essay:
• What is the theme of this poem? Support your interpretation by examining how the author uses word connotations, imagery, and symbols to support the theme. Also use direct textual evidence (quotes).
You should write a fully developed essay of at least 1000 words.
Include the following elements:
• An interesting introduction that ends with a thesis statement.
• 3 to 5 body paragraphs that support the thesis with a balanced combination of textual evidence and student commentary.
• Correct incorporation and punctuation of textual evidence.
• A conclusion that does not summarize the essay.
• Proper use of the MLA format and gps.