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Summary

In this educational video, students are guided on writing a poetry essay focused on a poem not listed among the '100 Best.' The instructor emphasizes selecting a poem, such as 'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening,' and persuading readers of its merits. The essay should be organized in MLA format, with a catchy title, and cover three pages discussing three elements of poetry: theme, rhyme, and tone. The instructor provides a detailed breakdown of how to analyze these elements, using quotes from the poem and personal anecdotes to illustrate points. The goal is to persuade the reader of the poem's significance, potentially using historical references like President Kennedy's use of Frost's poetry. The deadline for the essay is set for the first of March.

Takeaways

• 📝 The lecture focuses on writing a poetry essay, emphasizing the importance of selecting a poem not on a provided list of 100 to analyze.
• 🎨 The students are tasked with persuading the reader why their chosen poem is exceptional and should be considered among the best.
• 🌐 Contemporary poems and those by renowned poets like Seamus Heaney or ee cummings are suggested for selection, encouraging a broad exploration of poetry.
• 📜 The essay should be organized into a three-page MLA format with a catchy title, double-spaced, and in 12-point font.
• 📝 The essay must include a thesis that names the poem and identifies three elements of poetry that will be discussed.
• 📖 The instructor uses 'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening' by Robert Frost as an example, highlighting theme, rhyme, and tone as key elements.
• 🔍 The theme of the poem is explored through the lens of personal commitments and societal connections, using quotes and personal anecdotes to illustrate the message.
• 🎶 The rhyme scheme of the poem is analyzed, noting how it foreshadows and structures the poem's progression.
• 🎭 The tone of the poem is discussed, emphasizing the feeling of larger commitments beyond the individual's immediate experience.
• ✍️ The lecture provides a detailed checklist for essay writing, including an attention-getter, thesis, topic sentences, quotes, and a conclusion that broadens the focus.
• 📆 The assignment is due by the first of March, giving students ample time to research, select a poem, and craft a compelling essay.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the lecture?

The main focus of the lecture is on guiding students to write a poetry essay, persuading why a poem not on a provided list of 100 is better.

What are some examples of poems students can choose for their essay?

Students can choose poems such as 'Lady Lazarus', 'Haiku', a sonnet by Shakespeare, or more contemporary poems like 'Digging' by Seamus Heaney or works by ee cummings.

What are the three elements of poetry students should use to persuade in their essay?

Students should use three different elements of poetry to persuade in their essay, such as theme, rhyme, and tone.

What is the significance of the poem 'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening' in the lecture?

The poem 'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening' is used as an example to demonstrate how to write the essay, despite it being on the list of 100, to show how it could be argued as the best.

What is the role of theme in the poem 'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening' according to the lecture?

The theme of the poem 'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening' is about the importance of keeping promises and the realization that we have commitments to others beyond our own desires.

How does the rhyme scheme in 'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening' contribute to its effectiveness, as explained in the lecture?

The rhyme scheme in the poem contributes to its effectiveness by creating a predictable pattern that is broken at the end, drawing attention to the concluding lines and reinforcing the poem's message.

What is the purpose of quoting the poem throughout the essay?

Quoting the poem throughout the essay serves to support the arguments made about the poem's elements and to provide evidence for the claims being made in the essay.

Why is it important to include a catchy title in a poetry essay?

A catchy title in a poetry essay is important because it grabs the reader's attention and sets the tone for the analysis that follows.

What is the significance of the repeated line 'miles to go before I sleep' in the poem?

The repeated line 'miles to go before I sleep' signifies the poet's awareness of the responsibilities and commitments that await him, even as he enjoys the peaceful scene before him.

What is the deadline for submitting the poetry essay as mentioned in the lecture?

The deadline for submitting the poetry essay is mentioned to be by the first of March, before midnight.

What additional advice does the lecturer give for writing the poetry essay?

The lecturer advises students to find a good poem, use quotes effectively, explain the quotes, and not over-quote. They also suggest organizing the essay with an attention-getter, thesis, topic sentences, body paragraphs with quotes, and a conclusion that restates the thesis and broadens the focus.