Name:

Directions: Choose a poet to study who writes poetry for an adult audience (e.g. not Shel Silverstein or Dr. Seuss) and whose poems and subjects are not offensive for this class. Follow the five prompts listed below. Type your responses in a word document and submit them in the course site. This assignment sheet is worth 75 points. You will be creating a VoiceThread presentation later based upon this Individual Poet Study (IPS) to share with your classmates, so please choose your poet wisely.

1. Reading (10 points): Read five poems by your author. (The poems should not be poems we have read for class.). List the five poems here:

2. Research (15 points): Research your poet and record at least five facts that feel relevant to understanding his or her poetry. For each fact, include a citation of the website name and URL with the retrieval date. If you use the exact wording from the source, place it in quotation marks. Include an explanation of each fact as to its significance in your understanding the poet’s works you read.

Fact 1:

Fact 2:

Fact 3:

Fact 4:

Fact 5:

3. Device analysis and evaluation (15 points): Analyze the poems for poetry devices, and record one example of three different devices from any of her poems that are exceptionally well done. Quote each example (include line numbers and poem title for citation) and identify the device it represents (metaphor, simile, etc.). Then, explain the rationale for your selection. Each explanation should be at least one paragraph in length (5-12 sentences).

Device Example 1:

Rationale for selection:

Device Example 2:

Rationale for selection:

Device Example 3:

Rationale for selection:

4. Reading (15 points): Find a longer piece of autobiographical or biographical significance on your author and read it. Post the website name and URL here.

5. Evaluation (20 points): Record your thoughts on the following questions: What makes this poet worthy of study? What did you personally connect with in these poems, your poet’s reflections on writing these poems, the biographical information or your research? What (if anything) challenged you as a reader concerning your faith or worldview? Cite at least three poems and the research in your evaluation. Please write your evaluation in at least two paragraphs, using complete sentences. This should be a thoughtful and comprehensive evaluation (suggested length 50 – 150 words).

LIT1100 Introduction to Literature University of Northwestern – St. Paul