AP Lit & Comp 11/29 & 11/30 18 1. Prose essay basics 2. Sonnets 3. For next class
The Prose Essay We re going to start focusing on essay #2 for the AP exam: the prose essay. This essay requires you to read an excerpt of prose (short story or novel) and then analyze that excerpt in your essay response. This prompt will almost always relate to characterization. Let s read this sample from the 1995 AP Lit exam together.
Now, read the passage again silently The prompt: Write an essay analyzing how the author, Sandra Cisneros, uses literary techniques to characterize Rachel. Read slowly and carefully and annotate. Mark anything that stands out for you about her character. As you read, focus on the heart of the prompt HOW the reader sees Rachel, what her character traits are. Think of adjectives you d use to describe her (ex., Rachel is a and girl).
1. Look at the sentence you just wrote about Rachel. Make sure you ve chosen two strong character traits in Rachel that you think are important and look back at the story to find which literary devices Cisneros uses to illuminate each of those traits. Which literary devices do authors use to develop character? juxtaposition selection of detail dialogue imagery repetition figurative language (simile, metaphor, personification) syntax diction point of view tone mood
2. Now, write a thesis statement that addresses the heart of the prompt: In the short story Eleven, Sandra Cisneros depicts Rachel as a and girl. Or a more advanced thesis, like: Although Rachel seems immature in many ways, her understanding of the aging process reveals an underlying maturity uncommon for an eleven-year-old girl. My thesis statement can stop here, or I can add onto it by naming the specific literary techniques I will be discussing. Example: Although Rachel seems immature in many ways, her understanding of the aging process reveals an underlying maturity uncommon for an eleven-year-old girl. Cisneros reveals Rachel s characteristics with carefully chosen diction and expressive figurative language.
My essay will need to PROVE to my reader that Rachel does possess the character traits I claim and that Cisneros accomplishes this characterization through the use of the literary traits I chose. Example: In the short story Eleven, Sandra Cisneros portrays the protagonist Rachel as a shy, somewhat insecure young girl who deep down possesses insight uncommon for one so young. Cisneros uses vivid similes and repetition to convey the complexity of Rachel s character.
Switching gears: Grab your sonnets.
SIFT reminder: S = symbols examine the title and text for symbolism I = identify images and sensory details think about how these images produce mood, tone, and meaning F =identify and analyze figurative language and determine what effect or meaning the poet is trying to convey T = a close examination of word choice, imagery, and detail should reveal the speaker s attitude or tone and how it connects to meaning BIG PICTURE: What do all the SIFT elements help you figure out about the poet s deeper meaning or truth?
TERMS TO JOT DOWN conceit: an ingenious or fanciful comparison, typically in a poem; an elaborate extended metaphor John Donne uses conceit a great deal in his poetry; his conceits are often metaphysical in nature (philosophical exploration with out of the box type of thinking)
TERMS TO JOT DOWN Shakespearian Sonnets Also known as English sonnets Common themes include: love, beauty, politics, and morality There are 154 known sonnets written by Shakespeare. That s 2,156 lines of poetry! Shakespearian sonnets are structured this way: 14 lines total (like all sonnets) Three 4 line stanzas known as quatrains (think quad for four) 1 couplet at the end of the twelve lines Usually there are 10 syllables per line The rhyme scheme is: ABAB CDCD EFEF GG
The first two quatrains Present idea, theme, or story Last quatrain Provides twist or turn Rhyming couplet Summarizes the theme of the poem or introduces a fresh new look at the theme. Shakespearian sonnets are usually written in iambic pentameter Iambic means the syllables are unstressed/stressed (Like a heartbeat ba boom, ba boom ) Pentameter means there are five meters per line A pentagon has 5 sides 1 meter = 2 syllables A line of iambic pentameter, then would have 10 syllables that alternate in the {unstressed/stressed pattern}
Shall I compare thee to a summer s day? (A) Thou art more lovely and more temperate: (B) Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, (A) And summer s lease hath all too short a date: (B) Sometimes too hot the eye of heaven shines, (C) And often is his gold complexion dimm d; (D) And every fair from fair sometimes declines, (C) By change or nature s changing course untrimm d; (D) Shakespearian Sonnet, also known as an English sonnet But thy eternal summer shall not fade (E) Nor lose possession of that fair thou owest; (F) Nor shall Death brag thou wander st in his shade, (E) When in eternal lines to time thou growest: (F) So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, (G) So long lives this and this gives life to thee. (G)
SONNETS A Petrarchan sonnet is also known as an Italian sonnet. This sonnet form is named after Francesco Petrarcha, an Italian poet from the fourteenth century. Like all sonnets, it is 14 lines in length. Petrarchan sonnets have two parts: The Octave (8 lines think Octopus) The Sestet (ending 6 lines) The ninth line of a Petrarchan sonnet presents the twist or turn in the poem. The usual rhyme schemes for Petrarchan sonnets are: abba abba cde cde OR: abba abba cd cd cd
Petrarchan / Italian Sonnet On His Blindness by John Milton When I consider how my light is spent, (A) E re half my days, in this dark world and wide, (B) And that one talent which is death to hide, (B) Lodg d with me useless, though my Soul more bent (A) To serve therewith my Maker, and present (A) My true account, lest He returning chide, (B) Doth God exact day-labour, light deny d? (B) I fondly ask. But patience, to prevent (A) That murmur, soon replies, God doth not need (C) Either man s work or his own gifts. Who best (D) Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His State (E) Is kingly: Thousands at his bidding speed, (C) And post o er land and ocean without rest; (D) They also serve who only stand and wait. (E)
SONNETS Named after Edmund Spenser, this type is also 14 lines in length. There aren t any real requirements for theme. The rhyme scheme is: ABAB BCBC CDCD EE The three quatrains then develop three distinct but closely related ideas, with a different idea (or commentary) in the couplet.
SPENSARIAN SONNET Men call you fair, and you do credit it, (A) For that yourself ye daily such do see: (B) But the true fair, that is the gentle wit (A) And virtuous mind, is much more praised of me: (B) For all the rest, however fair it be, (B) Shall turn to nought and lose that glorious hue: (C) But only that is permanent and free (B) From frail corruption that doth flesh ensure. (C) That is true beauty; that doth argue you (C) To be divine, and borne of heavenly seed; (D) Derived from that fair Sprit from whom all true (C) And perfect beauty did at first proceed: (D) He only fair, and what he fair hath made; (E) All other fair, like flowers, untimely fade.(e)
SMALL GROUPS Take a few minutes to discuss your poem. You should already have your individual SIFT analysis/annotation. Compare notes and then prep your new copy to teach to the class. We ll share out / discuss in about 15 minutes.
FOR NEXT CLASS Write five thematic statements for Frankenstein (I will post directions on Classroom.) DJ s for chapters 19-24 are due tonight. Start reading your IRP novel. Mark passages for DJ s as you read.