Writing Homework Help

Students are assigned to prepare a single-page outline (12 pts.) with no complete sentences in advance for this fifty-minute essay.  Students are assigned to write a literary analysis essay on one (or two) of the William Blake poems we have studied in class.  OR, students may choose to write a 400-500 word literary analysis of a song that they have chosen and I have approved after I have reviewed the lyrics for at least five of the seven “Elements of Fiction” (plot, characters, setting, conflicts, climax, symbols, and themes) and their thesis statement or intended interpretation.

All student papers should follow the nine guidelines of writing a literary analysis essay, be organized into paragraphs, have an arguable thesis statement followed by topic sentences supported by adequate, relevant details, an original title, an interesting lead, introduction, conclusion, transitions, and follow MLA format for in-text citations.  Students are allowed to keep with them a copy of the poem (or song) they intend to interpret, a dictionary, and The Little Seagull Handbook.

50-Minute Timed Essay

ENC 1102:  “Freshman English Composition II:  Literature”

Professor Roger W. Forsythe

           Three topics are presented below.  Select one of the topics as the basis for your 400-500 word (3 to 4 page) essay.  Read the topics carefully to make sure you understand what you are being asked to do.

Compare and contrast either of the two “companion” poems from William Blake’s Songs of Innocence and Songs of Experience: both versions of “The Chimney Sweeper” or both versions of “Holy Thursday.” What appears to be the writer’s intent in writing the poems this way?  Is it valid or not?  Why?  What images or symbols are shared by the two poems, and how do they differ?  What themes or purpose does Blake seem to be addressing?  (Do NOT write about “The Lamb” and “The Tyger”)

                                                           (OR)

Analyze and discuss either William Blake’s “The Tyger,” “London,” or “A Poison Tree” from Songs of Experience, either “Holy Thursday” poem, or either “Chimney Sweeper” poem. Consider the author’s depiction of life, society, or humanity at that time.  Is it still relevant?  What specific point or points does the writer seem to be making?  Why?  How does Blake apply the seven elements of fiction in his work?  What symbols, conflicts, or themes are depicted?  (Do NOT write about “The Lamb”)

                                                           (OR)

1. Analyze and discuss any two or three of William Blake’s “Proverbs of Hell” from “The Marriage of Heaven and Hell.” Consider related themes or ideas that seem to be emphasized in the work.  How do these echo (or underscore) themes in the poems we have read? 

           Select the one literary topic on which you wish to write your essay.  It must be on only one of these topics, and it must address the entire topic.  You should cite at least three (3) specific lines or phrases (‘clues’) from the text in order to support your thesis.

           Take a few minutes to re-read the poems to plan what you want to say before you start writing.  You may want to devise a short outline for your work.  Leave yourself a few minutes at the end of the period to proofread and make corrections.

           You may cross out or add information as necessary.  Although your handwriting will not affect your score, you should write as legibly as possible,

           In your essay, you should properly introduce the author, the work, and the point you believe the writer was trying to get across in the literary work.  Explain the position you have taken, and support your thesis with documented evidence from the poem(s).  While you do need to follow MLA format for in-text citations, you are NOT required to follow MLA format for page layout or a “Works Cited” page.

           This essay is worth 50 points.  As your professor, I will pay special attention to whether you have observed the following:

* accurately determined the purpose of writing

* used an effective, interesting “lead” or opening sentence to draw your reader in

* clearly articulated a specific thesis or statement of main idea

* organized ideas and details effectively

1. * provided adequate, relevant support material

* used effective transitions

* demonstrated a mature command of language

* avoided inappropriate use of slang, jargon and cliche

* used a variety of sentence patterns effectively

* maintained consistent point of view and consistent verb tense usage

* observed the conventions of standard American English

1. * written clearly in a relaxed authoritative narrative voice