A poetry explication is a relatively short analysis which describes the possible meanings and relationships of the words, images, and other small units that make up a poem. Writing an explication is an effective way for a reader to connect a poem’s plot and conflicts with its structural features. Using MLA format, write a 2-4 page essay that explicates a poem of your choosing. You must select one of the poems that we have read or will read in class. You will need an introduction, conclusion, heading, page numbers, title, etc. Double space the entire essay, and use 1 inch margins as well as 12 pt Times New Roman font. Refer to the Writers’ Reference Handbook for all MLA rules and regulations. Be sure not to wander off topic, and be sure to use specific examples and evidence to prove your points. You will not need to use any outside sources. You will need one primary source, which will be the poem in your textbook. That is where you will get the information for your argument. You do not need a Works Cited page; however, you will need to utilize in-text citations with page numbers, direct quotation (or paraphrase), and signal phrases. Determine the basic design of the poem by considering the who, what, when, where, and why of the dramatic situation: ·   What is being dramatized? What conflicts or themes does the poem present, address, or question? ·   Who is the speaker? Define and describe the speaker and the speaker’s voice. What does the speaker say? Who is the audience? Are other characters involved? ·   What happens in the poem? Consider the plot or basic design of the action. How are the dramatized conflicts or themes introduced, sustained, resolved, etc.? ·   When does the action occur? What is the date and/or time of day? ·   Where is the speaker? Describe the physical location of the dramatic moment. ·   Why does the speaker feel compelled to speak at this moment? What is the speaker’s motivation? To analyze the design of the poem, we must focus on the poem’s parts, namely how the poem dramatizes conflicts or ideas in language. By concentrating on the parts, we develop our understanding of the poem’s structure, and we gather support and evidence for our interpretations. Some of the details we should consider include the following: ·   Form: Does the poem represent a particular form (sonnet, sestina, etc.)? Does the poem present any unique variations from the traditional structure of that form? ·   Rhetoric: How does the speaker make particular statements? Does the rhetoric seem odd in any way? Why? Consider the predicates and what they reveal about the speaker. ·   Syntax: Consider the subjects, verbs, and objects of each statement and what these elements reveal about the speaker. Do any statements have convoluted or vague syntax? ·   Vocabulary: Why does the poet choose one word over another in each line? Do any of the words have multiple or archaic meanings that add other meanings to the line? Use the Oxford English Dictionary as a resource. As you analyze the design line by line, look for certain patterns to develop which provide insight into the dramatic situation, the speaker’s state of mind, or the poet’s use of details. Some of the most common patterns include the following: ·   Rhetorical Patterns: Look for statements that follow the same format. ·   Rhyme: Consider the significance of the end words joined by sound; in a poem with no rhymes, consider the importance of the end words. ·   Patterns of Sound: Alliteration and assonance create sound effects and often cluster significant words. ·   Visual Patterns: How does the poem look on the page? ·   Rhythm and Meter: Consider how rhythm and meter influence our perception of the speaker and language TOPIC  William Blake—“The Chimney Sweeper” Songs of Innocence 169, “The Chimney Sweeper” or (Songs of Experience) 170 / “The Lamb” 171 and “The Tyger” 172