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cows
10-17-2007, 04:28 PM
So,

I have been an avid fiction reader, have passionate interests in writing, and don't mind getting my hands dirty in any of this... Although I'd much rather spend my time reading concise, well executed prose, I can even see the good in long, flowery pieces. BUT... I am a sophomore English Major (going to focus on creative writing, not comp. lit.) with a lit class that is focusing on poetry.

Today I received my first C (though it was a c-plus wahoo! right? "you sucked, but you were good at it") on a paper because I can't find a way to really dig into this literary criticism stuff. The next paper we are working with is a poetic analysis paper. Cue nail biting, cigarette smoking and procrastination.

Any advice on approaching this material and not sucking it up? I do work hard, I just need advice for this class.

HELP.

-Ryan

tinustijger
10-18-2007, 04:52 AM
I don't I can help you at all, but I'm a bit confused too, what are you asking for? (must be my english, I'm Dutch) But you need to find poems about nail biting, cigarette smoking and procrastination?? :P

cows
10-19-2007, 02:47 PM
haha nah, my problem is with analyzing poetry. I'm having trouble finding what my teacher wants. Our new assignment is to write an analysis of Seamus Heaney's "Limbo". I have to do historical research and find the poem's turns and themes. I thought I had done a good job with the first paper, but I got a C+. I'm just looking for any advice on poetic analysis.

blazeofglory
10-24-2007, 11:58 AM
haha nah, my problem is with analyzing poetry. I'm having trouble finding what my teacher wants. Our new assignment is to write an analysis of Seamus Heaney's "Limbo". I have to do historical research and find the poem's turns and themes. I thought I had done a good job with the first paper, but I got a C+. I'm just looking for any advice on poetic analysis.

analyzing poetry is indeed a vague thing. There are more poems you can count. You must be specific what type of analysis you want.

If you have difficulty in understanding a particular poem or poems please name it or them. Indeed there are good analysts and I too am a student of it and you will not go disappointed indeed. The forum is of course in for all that stuff.

Princess_1986
10-30-2007, 05:05 PM
The key isn't really to try and focus on what you believe your tutor wants. Really you should try to surprise them. If you find a personal reading, and can back that reading up - then it will pleasantly surprise your tutor. That's what I've found. A tutor would rather be surprised by originality, than be bored by regurgitated analysis.

Stick to the obvious or the conventional, and you'll get average grades. Take risks and be brave and it will pay off.

I'm not quite sure what 'a sophomore English Major' is, but it sounds pretty good ;)