Introduction to a Poet

1. Introduction to a Poet Research PPT

2. You will be researching one of the following poets: • Robert Frost • Gwendolyn Brooks • Leonard Cohen • Langston Hughes • Margaret Atwood • Walt Whitman

3. Expert Group! • Your group will be my “expert group” relating to that poet, meaning, all assignments and presentations will be exploring this individual and their works • You are the authority on this individual, including when other class members have questions.

4. First Task • Your first task will be to create an “Introduction to the Poet” PowerPoint • Your PowerPoint should be approximately 15 – 20 slides in length, including biographical information and images • The following slides will give a more detailed breakdown of the expectation

5. An introduction which engages the reader.  Why is he/she intriguing?  Begin with an interesting fact, quote from a literary critic, an interview with the poet, etc. and move on to a thesis (yes, a thesis) which is not just a statement of fact, such as Sylvia Plath is a deeply disturbed woman.  Think about what you feel about the poet’s work after having done the research; create a claim or opinion about him/her and let the reader know in the thesis what exactly you will be covering in the ppt. 

6. Background and historical context.  Biographical information is fine, but make sure that it provides insight into the writer and his/her work.  Don’t state the obvious.  Also, when considering historical context, see if the poet is attached to a literary movement, such as romanticism or modernism.  Who influenced the poet?  Who, in turn, have they influenced? 

7. Literary criticism (articles, essays, etc,) written by credible, academic literary critics that help unravel the poems meanings and support your own ideas about the poet’s work (or raise interesting questions or arguments).  Remember, though, that your ideas/analysis is the most critical part of the ppt. 

8. Three poems by the poet, followed by explanations of the poems, considering such things as form, meter, rhyme scheme, use of metaphor, symbolism, imagery, diction, tone.  What is/are the theme(s), etc.  Consider forms too, such as sonnets, villanelles, free verse, etc.

9. All outside source material must be cited in your paper and on a Works Cited page, using MLA style citation.  See my website.  I will also provide some web sites to help with MLA, if you need it.