Explication Essay Outline
Intro
1. Hook
The world is a place that is built by those who can think and dream beyond the norm. 2. TAG + Summary
The poem, “Ode 6,” by Arthur O’Shaughnessy is about the people who create and destroy people, cities, and ideas. However, their existence as creators and destroyers makes them outcasts. 3. Thesis + theme
Being a person who creates and destroys the world’s ideals is explained through the biblical allusions and dark alliteration. Body Paragraph #1
1. Topic Sentence: Tell me what TWO literary devices you will
be explaining
With the use of allusions and alliteration, the poet is able to relay the importance
of being a creator or destroyer of the world.
2. Literary Device #1: Prove it is in the poem (quote or quotes
tied into your sentence)
a. THEN explain its purpose in the poem
The allusions to two biblical cities, “Ninevah” and “Babel” help to explain how
change can happen to even the most evil of places. Both of these cities change,
but one, Ninevah, found redemption when they desired change whereas Babel
was destroyed because it refused to change.
3. Literary Device #2: Prove it is in the poem (quote or quotes
tied into your sentence)
a. THEN explain its purpose in the poem
Also, the O’Shaughnessy uses the alliteration of “deathless ditties,” “dreamers of
dreams,” and “world’s worth” to help explain exactly who the people are who
instigate the changes in the world. The people who dream and sing the songs of
creation are the ones who help to change the world.
4. Concluding Sentence: Tie BOTH literary devices to your
THEME
Both the allusions and the alliterations help to explain how the people who
change the world are the ones who are responsible for building or destroying all
of the great things in it. Without their dreams, songs, and drive for change, there
would be nothing great developed.
Conclusion
1. Topic Sentence
In conclusion, the world is full of people who help to shake the world up with
change by creating and destroying new ideals.
2. Restate Thesis and what you were trying to explain to your
audience
The fact that the world is full of creation and destruction was proven through the
use of consistent imagery and fantastical alliteration to create civilizations.
3. Clincher
Altogether, this poem functions as a call to mankind to rise to the challenge and
be the people who are willing to be outcasts in order to change the world better
through creation and destruction.