I think that the trick for me in writing a poetry essay is to remember to have fun. I like literature essays because I'm a rather opinionated human being who likes to express herself. I have fun coming up with a point and arguing it with evidence; in fact, my relationship with Other Half is all about doing just that. It doesn't matter what the topic is - it's the intellectual exercise that's enjoyable.
The other trick will be to not get stressed out by the time and jump to a thesis too quickly. I have not historically done particularly well on writing without revision. Also, since I never write by hand, my hand cramps.
I am somewhat nervous, since I haven't had to do this kind of writing since high school. (One wonders why there isn't more of this in the undergrad program, if it's a regular feature of the honors program) I wish we had more time to practice it with some feedback.
I hope they pick a Plath poem. I can write a lot about Plath.
Comments (5)
I agree with you - writing a poetry essay does involve having fun and not getting nervous. I don't do too well either in a timed writing situation - for me, I'm just hoping I will be able to remain coherent for the 1.5 hours of this section.
Posted by vitaminc | March 8, 2007 12:34 PM
Posted on March 8, 2007 12:34
Fun! Now there's a word to remember. It's not one that I usually associate with poetry either. I also appreciate the reminder about not jumping to a thesis too quickly. 1.5 hours certainly gives us time to make a game plan.
Posted by Sonomas | March 8, 2007 1:01 PM
Posted on March 8, 2007 13:01
I don't do very well in timed situations either, and yeah, I definitely have to remember to not jump for a thesis. Poetry has never been my forte, and I have a feeling I'm not going to be coherent after the first section of the exam so the second section is really going to be an interesting test...
Posted by AK | March 8, 2007 8:01 PM
Posted on March 8, 2007 20:01
I like your attitude. Think like a human being, not like an academic. Have fun, because poetry's about that and not about "scansion."
Posted by Mr Thompson | March 10, 2007 4:22 PM
Posted on March 10, 2007 16:22
My hand cramps too. But you're right about not picking a thesis too early. Since we have a couple of hours on this part of the exam, it would be wise not to rush through it. And I wish I could have fun with the essay but it's a test, and therefore, I'm an anxious mess. But I get your point about not stressing about it.
Posted by Lily Briscoe | March 11, 2007 4:40 AM
Posted on March 11, 2007 04:40