Author: admin

Paper 1: Close Reading
How we got here: In the quest to legitimize poetry, there’s always been a voice demanding
structure. What is poetry if not rigid structure and wordplay? How can we have an artform that
doesn’t adhere to the rules of what art is? The quintessential poet is a vagabond, either a beggar
or someone who’s made a living doing something else. What value do poets have to a society
with bigger problems to worry about? Is there a value?
Some context: Anne Sexton is considered to be one of the original “Confessional Poets.” Her
work, along with the poetry of Sylvia Plath, Robert Lowell, and others, reaches out to connect
with readers under highly uncommon circumstances. Her poetry is intended to appeal to the part
of us that lives in a real world and doesn’t care much for social mores. But Sidney’s fight bears
repeating: if poetry is helpless and in need of defense, should that apply to all poetry? Can we
find something valuable in things that seem kind of rambly or trashy? Is there any message worth
digging out of this?
The assignment: In 4 pages, apply your analysis of Anne Sexton’s poetry in the form of a close
reading essay. When you wrote your response essays for Sexton, you chose a poem from the
packet. Use the space of this essay to utilize your annotations and present a thesis-driven essay
arguing your perspective. Review your chosen poem in terms of content and construction.
**If you did not submit a response paper for Anne Sexton, please choose a poem that was not
discussed in class. The content of your essay should be your own ideas and not a summary of
someone else’s. This is a conversation between you and the primary text. Please do not use
outside sources for this assignment.
While preparing your analysis, consider the issues that may matter. What methods does Sexton
use to speak about taboos among a mixed audience? If you argue that her attempts are
unsuccessful, where do they fail? If your perspective is that she is speaking for someone who
deserves to be heard, how does the text support your claims? Look at every line with a critical
eye and explain what you see. The why is more important than the what in this case. This is a
paper expressing your perspective about your poem of choice.
Remember to parse your source text for everything it has to offer. Relate your interpretation of
the source material, and be sure to think critically about the needs of people who disagree with
yourself as well. Dig deeply enough to establish connections. And don’t forget to make sure to
state and argue a thesis.
If you’re still struggling with the concept of Close Reading after our class discussions, Harvard
University provides a step-by-step guide for reference:
http://writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu/pages/how-do-close-reading
The poem:Ghosts
Some ghosts are women,
neither abstract nor pale,
their breasts as limp as killed fish.
Not withes,but ghosts who come,
moving their useless arms
like forsaken servants.
Not all ghosts are women,
I have seen others;
fat,white -bellied men,
wearing their genitals like old rags.
Not devils,but ghosts.
This one thumps barefoot , lurching 
above my bed.
But that isn’t all.
Some ghosts are children .
Not angels,but ghosts;
curling like pink tea cups 
on any  pillow or kicking,
showing their innocent bottoms,wailing
for Lucifer.

ASSIGNMENT: Using your outline and annotated bibliography from Touchstones 1.2 and 2.2, draft a 6-8 page argumentative research essay on your chosen topic. 
As this assignment builds on Touchstone 2.2: Create an Annotated Bibliography, that Touchstone must be graded before you can submit your research essay draft. Although unrelated by topic, Touchstone 3.1 must also be graded before you can submit your research essay draft.
DIRECTIONS: Refer to the list below throughout the writing process. Do not submit your Touchstone until it meets these guidelines. Refer to the Sample Touchstone for additional guidance on structure, formatting, and citation.
1. Argumentative Thesis Statement
❒ Have you included a thesis in your introduction that includes a clear, arguable stance and supporting reasons? 
2. Argument Development
❒ Are all of the details relevant to the purpose of your essay? 
❒ Is the argument supported using persuasive rhetorical appeals and page/paragraph-numbered source material (i.e., direct quotations, paraphrasing, and summary)? 
❒ Is your essay 6-8 pages (approximately 1500-2000 words, not including your references or reflection question responses)? If not, which details do you need to add or remove? 
❒ Does the essay consist of at least seven paragraphs – an introduction, five body paragraphs (with at least one for the counterarguments and rebuttals), and a conclusion? Are the body paragraphs ordered logically to strengthen the argument, and do they all contain accurate evidence from credible sources? 
❒ Do your topic sentences make original and supportable points? Do your topic sentences directly support your thesis statement? 
3. Research
❒ Have you introduced, contextualized, and cited outside sources effectively using at least some direct quotation, summary, and paraphrase techniques and included page/paragraph-numbered parenthetical citations? 
❒ Are the sources incorporated smoothly, providing the reader with signal phrases and context for the source information? 
❒ Have you referenced a range of at least 7 credible sources, and does each source have at least one accurate in-text citation in the essay? 
❒ Have you properly formatted your citations according to APA style guidelines? 
❒ Have you included an APA style reference page below your essay and do the sources listed there match those cited in the essay?