Week 7 | Poetry Short Essays Instructions
Directions:Be thorough in responding to the writing prompts (plan a minimum
of 75 words for each question with examples from the text, where appropriate,
and demonstration of academic language usage). Cite any sources, other than
your opinion, that you use for analyzing these stories.
Name: Date:
Brooks (“We Real Cool”)
Short Essays
1. Brooks has stated that she consciously uses rhythm, lineation,
rhyme, tone, and theme as instruments to create meaning in her writing.
Describe how she employs these elements in her poem, “We Real Cool” to convey
her attitude and final message toward the protagonists in the poem.
Insert your answer(s) here.
2. After a close reading of the poem, describe influences from
Brooks’ life and from the times during which the poem was written. Explore your
text, MLL (e.g., Aboutthe Author, Links, Literary Theories), and other
resources to build additional background for answering this question. Be sure
to cite your sources.
Insert your answer(s) here.
Frost (“Mending Wall”) Short Essays
1. At the center of the poem is a contrast between two ways to
regard mending a wall. Describe how the different temperaments of the speaker
and neighbor are manifested through wording, description, speech, and thoughts.
Describe which viewpoint reflects the poet’s sympathies best, and why.
Insert your answer(s) here.
2. After a close reading of the poem, describe how Frost uses
several effective literary elements to make his points.
Insert your answer(s) here.
Browning (“My Last Duchess”) Reflection Questions
1. Describe the storyline. What happened to the duke’s “last
duchess,” and describe the changes revealed in duke’s personality over the span
of the poem. What is the little “surprise” that he reveals toward the end of
the poem, and what was your reaction to it? (You might have to read the poem
carefully several times to uncover and understand this part of the poem.)
Insert your answer(s) here.
2. Describe the background of the poem; what is its most likely
historical basis? How does knowing this background enrich your understanding
(or does it?)? Explore your text, MLL (e.g., Links: Robert Browning, An
Overview—for specific information on this topic! Explore a little here for
pertinent information for this writing response), and other resources to build
additional background for answering this question. Be sure to cite your
sources.
Insert your answer(s) here.
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