Following are the requirements for your poetry essay:

• I would prefer that you analyze a poem from the *textbook* that we did not cover in class. Other poems must be cleared through me.

• Post the words to your poem below your essay for my reference.

• Use MLA formatting. Please see your Easy Writer or visit Purdue University, owlatpurdue website

• Use third-person pronouns (he, she, etc.). Do not use first-person (I, we, etc.) or second-person "you" or any of its forms.

• Must have detailed analysis with sound supporting details.

• Avoid vague statements that contain no real information

• Watch for grammar and spelling errors.

• Do not use contractions

• Use same format as the example essay that I have posted for your reference.

• Format your essay in the following manner:

I.First paragraph: Background information on the author.
a) You may tie in something about the author's life with the poem as the controlling idea for your essay. If you do not, you must have a controlling idea for the paper. Example: In Arlington's "Richard Cory," the theme of the poem is that people are not always the way they seem on the surface."

II.Second paragraph:
a) Begin explaining the first stanza or section of your poem.
b) Explain the poem in logical sections of thought. Punctuation can help you with this
c) Explain any poetic devices [See poetry terms posted under Content.] Make sure to note if the poem is free verse or formal.

III.Third paragraph and so forth: Follow the same pattern as noted above until you reach the end of the poem

IV.Last paragraph: Conclusion
a) Sum up the details of your poem