Contemporary Literature Poetry Analysis Essay
Choose ONE poem that we have read as a class during this unit and closely analyze what the poem says and what poetic
devices the author uses to convey the theme
Pre-writing:
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Closely read the poem SEVERAL TIMES
Fill out the poem analysis chart where you identify the topic, theme, and three poetic devices used to help
convey the theme
Things to think about:
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Theme or plot of poem
Identity and situation of the speaker(s)
Denotations/connotations of significant words
Figurative language
Sound devices
Stanza form and line breaks
Introduction Paragraph:
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Author’s name
Title of poem in quotation marks
The overall topic of the poem
A thesis statement: identify the three poetic devices to be analyzed that help convey the theme
At least 5 sentences
3 Body Paragraphs:
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Each body paragraph should focus on a different poetic device that helps shape the meaning and theme of
the poem.
For EACH paragraph:
o STATE the device being used
o Use a direct quote that is an example of that device (use proper MLA format)
o In the next few sentences, explain how this device HELPS shape the form and/or meaning of the
poem
o For example, if the theme of the poem is that we should treat all people fairly, then find a metaphor
that helps express this message, directly quote it and explain how it connects to the theme.
Conclusion:
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Restate thesis without repeating the words verbatim
Summarize the main points in the body paragraphs
Answer the “So what” question your reader may have after reading your essay
Rubric for Critical Analysis Essay
Maximum: 100 points
A
B
C
D
INTRODUCTION
and
CONCLUSION
There is a welldeveloped
introduction with an
attention grabber that
continues to engage the
reader up until the
thesis statement. The
title and author of the
poem is stated in the
introduction. The thesis
statement clearly states
the theme of the poem.
Conclusion effectively
wraps up and restresses the importance
of the thesis without
restating the thesis
verbatim.
Introduction includes
title and author. Thesis
states the theme.
Conclusion effectively
summarizes the main
points and connects
back to the theme.
Introduction
adequately
explains the
background, but
may lack detail.
Thesis states the
topic, but key
elements are
missing.
Background details
are
a random,
unclear
collection of
information. Thesis is
vague and unclear.
Conclusion is not
effective and does
not summarize main
points.
MAIN POINTS
(Body
Paragraphs)
Well-developed
main points/topic
sentences
that relate directly to
the thesis. Supporting
examples are concrete
and detailed. The
analysis is developed
and clearly supports the
thesis.
Main points relate to
Main points relate to
thesis, but some
thesis and have clear supporting examples
examples and
may lack clear
explanations. The
explanations. The
analysis is developed
analysis is
but connections might
developed but
be underdeveloped.
connections are
underdeveloped.
Main points are
unclear and lack
supporting details.
3 direct quotes (one for
each body paragraph)
3 direct quotes are
are smoothly
present but may not
integrated into
be integrated into the
sentences in the body
sentences. They
paragraphs. They are
vaguely connect back
thoroughly explained
to the thesis.
and connect back to the
thesis.
Same as a B but
missing a quote.
What happened?!
Quotes were random
or had nothing to do
with the thesis. Or,
there were no quotes
included in the
paper.
ORGANIZATION
(Structure and Transitions)
Logical progression of
ideas with a clear
structure that enhances
the thesis. Transitions
are effective and vary
throughout the
paragraph, not just in
the topic sentences.
Logical progression of
ideas. Transitions are
present throughout the
essay, but lack
variety.
Organization is
clear.
Transitions are
present at times,
but there is very
little variety.
Writing is not
organized. The
transitions between
ideas are unclear or
non-existent.
MECHANICS
(Spelling,
Punctuation,
Capitalization)
Punctuation, spelling,
and capitalization are
all correct. No errors.
Punctuation, spelling,
and capitalization
are generally
correct with few
errors (1-2).
There are only a few
(3-4) errors in
punctuation,
spelling, and
capitalization.
DIRECT QUOTES
(aka CITATIONS)
Distracting errors in
punctuation,
spelling,
and
capitalization.
Introduction Paragraph:
Attention Grabber:
Title and Author:
Theme:
Body Paragraph1:
Poetic Device 1:
Direct Quote:
Explanation of how this device HELPS shape the form and/or meaning of the poem:
Body Paragraph 2:
Poetic Device 2:
Direct Quote:
Explanation of how this device HELPS shape the form and/or meaning of the poem:
Body Paragraph 3:
Poetic Device 3:
Direct Quote:
Explanation of how this device HELPS shape the form and/or meaning of the poem:
Conclusion:
General Statement About Theme:
Summary of Body Paragraph 1:
Summary of Body Paragraph 2:
Summary of Body Paragraph 3:
SO WHAT?