Laura T. Smith: Teaching

Paper Two: Dual Analysis

Choose two poems, preferably poems that have some points of similarity and some differences. As you analyze the poems, keep lists of these connections—points of overlap, points of departure—to help you develop your thesis. You will come up with an idea about the relationship between the poems. This idea may be a similarity, a point of contrast, a historical relationship, a common theme, a formal connection, etc. Your paper will analyze the pieces, showing how the pattern you’ve identified plays out in both pieces.

You might think of this paper as an attempt to bring together two pieces in an unusual way: as you analyze the pieces, ask yourself, What is a connection between these two pieces that isn’t visible at first glance? This intriguing point of unlikely connection will be your thesis.

Since this assignment is essentially an exercise in creative, inventive reading and interpretation, the goal of your comparison is to shed some new light, mostly likely on the issue or theme your poems have in common.

Do not use a poem you wrote about in paper one. Do not use two sonnets.

Your paper will be 5-6 pages, typed, double-spaced, using correct MLA citation style.

Grading is based on the same criteria noted for Paper One:

• The strength of your thesis
• Effective organization and overall structure, including introduction, conclusion, and metanarrative features
• Strength/quality of claims
• Use of evidence
• Quality/depth of analysis
• Correct use of MLA format and citation style
• Grammar and mechanics (See “Mechanical Proficiencies”)
• Writing style (See “Stylistic Attributes”)