Poetry

The prompt

The following poem is by the contemporary poet Li-Young Lee. Read the poem carefully. Then write a well-developed essay in which you analyze how the poet conveys the complex relationship of the father and the son through the use of literary devices such as point of view and structure.

What scores well?

• More sophisticated writing• Not connecting relationship with devices• A strong point to make about the relationship• Textual evidence• Short essays• Insight• Getting to those “big ideas” (but staying on topic)• Writing about how great (or not great) the poem

(or diction or syntax) may be

The Relationship

The Samples

The Tips• At least write something!• If you write about theme, do exclude the rest

of the prompt• Structure is not summary• Complexity is the key word.• Take time to at least plan out your major point

and to state it early in your essay.• Incorporate quotes into your sentences. Don’t

toss out quotes and expect your reader to understand why you mentioned them.