Anexplicationis A Complete And Detailed Analysis Of A Work Of Literatu ✓ Solved

An Explication is a complete and detailed analysis of a work of literature, often proceeding word-by-word or line-by-line through the work. For this paper, you will be writing an explication of a poem. You may choose any of the poems we have read or a song. You may also choose any poem you like from an anthology. Technical Requirements for Explication: · The paper must be typed and double-spaced, conforming to proper MLA format. · The paper must be at least two full (2) pages. · This is not a research essay; therefore, you will not (and should not) use outside sources. · Be sure to know when the essay is due.

No late papers will be accepted. In the Explication you will be presenting your "reading" of the poem you have chosen. Such a reading will require you to understand all aspects of the poem and to have a grasp of the meaning of individual parts of the poem in relation to the entire work. You are not, however, striving to be exhaustive in your "explanation" of the poem, but rather you should strive to be selective in considering only those details that are significant to your own thematic understanding of the poem. Some general questions to consider when writing about Poetry: 1.

What does the title contribute to the reader's understanding of the poem? 2. Who is the speaker? Where is the speaker when the poem is happening? 3.

Is it possible to determine the speaker's age, sex, sensibilities, level of awareness, and values? 4. What is the situation? What has happened in the past, or what is happening in the present, that has brought about the speech/poem? 5.

Is there a specific setting of time and place? 6. Is the speaker addressing anyone in particular? 7. How do you respond to the speaker?

Favorably? Negatively? Are there any special circumstances that inform what the speaker says? 8. Does reading the poem aloud help you to understand it better?

9. Does a paraphrase reveal the basic purpose of the poem? 10. What is the theme/meaning of the poem? Is the theme of the poem presented directly or indirectly?

What detials make possible the formulation of the main idea? 11. Do any allusions enrich the poem's meaning? What references need explaining? How does an explanation assist in the understanding of the poem?

12. What difficult, special, or unusual words does the poem contain? How does the diction reveal meaning? Are any words repeated? do any carry evocative connotative meanings? Are there any puns or other forms of verbal wit?

13. Are figures of speech used? How does the figurative language contribute to the poem's vividness and meaning? 14. Do any objects, persons, places, events, or actions have allegorical or symbolic meanings?

What other details in the poem support your interpretation? 15. Is irony used? Are there any examples of situational irongy, verbal irony, or dramatic irony? Is understatement or paradox used?

16. What is the tone of the poem? Is the tone consistent? 17. Does the poem use onomatopoeia, assonance, consonance, or alliteration?

How do these sounds affect you? 18. What sounds are repeated? If there are rhymes, what is their effect? Do they seem forced or natural?

Is there a rhyme scheme? Do the rhymes contribute to the poem's meaning? 19. Do the lines have a regular meter? What is the predominant meter?

Are there significant variations? Does the rhythm seem appropriate for the tone of the poem? 20. Does the poem's form--its overall structure--follow an established pattern? Do you think the form is a suitable vehicle for the poem's meaning and effects?

21. Is the language of the poem intense and concentrated? Do you think it warrants more than one or two close readings? 22. Did you enjoy the poem?

What, specifically, pleased or displeased you about what was expressed and how it was expressed? 23. How might biographical information aobut the author help to dtermine the central concerns of the poem? 24. How might historical information about the poem provide a useful context for interpretation?

25. To what extent do your own experiences, values, beliefs, and assumptions inform your interpretation? 26. What kinds of evidence from the poem are you focusing on to support your interpretation? does you interpretation leave out any important elements that might undercut or qualify your interpretation? Some thoughts on organizing your paper: An explication demonstrates your ability to (1) follow the essential details of the poem, (2) understand the issues and the meaning the poem reveals, (3) explain some of the relationships of content and technique, and (4) note and discuss especially important or unique aspects of the poem. · In your introduction, use your thesis or central idea to express a general view of the poem, which your essay will fill out with specific details. · In the body of your essay, first explain the poem's content--not with a paraphrase, but with a description of the poem's major organizing elements.

So, if the speaker of the poems is "inside" the poem as a first-person involved "I," you do not need to reproduce this voice yourself in your description. Instead, describe the poem in your own words, with whatever brief introductory phrases you find necessary. · Next, explicate the poem in relation to your central idea. You choose your own order of discussion, depending on your topics. You must, however, keep stressing your central idea with each new topic. Thus, you may wish to follow your description by discussing the poem's meaning, or even by presenting two or more possible interpretations.

You might also wish to refer to significant techniques. In other words, discuss those aspects of the meaning and technique that bear on your thesis/analysis. · In your conclusion, you should repeat your main idea to reinforce your essay's thematic structure. Since you've been working on a general explication (not an exhaustive one), there will be parts of the poem that you will not have disucssed. You might then mention what could be gained from an exhautive examination of various parts of the poem (you should not by any means begin such a task yourself in your concluding paragraph). Finally, leave the reader with a lasting impression of your "reading" of the poem.

This is your chance to turn poet for a moment; as with a poem, occasionally the final image of an essay can have the greatest impact on a reader. ESSAY #2: Poetry/Song For your next essay, pick from the following topics: 1. In this essay, you will select a whole poem (traditional poem) or passage of a poem (about 15-20 lines from a longer poem) and do an explication (close reading) of that poem . The passage should deal in some way with the thematic content of the poem (related to love in some form or fashion), even if it is only one allusion. You will pay close attention to the language and structure of the passage in order to generate a thesis that makes an argument about the relationship between the parts of the passage (its diction, syntax, poetic effects, and structure) and the whole selection.

In other words, your essay will discuss specific details and patterns in order to make a generalization about its overall issue, idea, message, or effect. Your analysis should attend to the way in which your chosen theme works in the passage. Your Gardner book talks about the nature of explications so read over that and ask me or the writing center (by appointment only) if you have any questions. 2. Similar to the first choice, this option involves selecting a song of your choice (do not pick something too simplistic/literal) that deals with love and do an explication (close reading).

While I don’t suggest you turn to a music lyric If you want to get extra credit, you can analyze how the video (official video) for that song adds another layer of meaning that backs up the theme to the song. So, you must look at both the lyrics of the song and the visual/cinematic elements that help create a greater meaning/theme. You MUST use the appropriate film terminology (shot types, P-O-V, camera angles, visual look—like sepia tone, etc.). You are not allowed to use “Helloâ€. I must be provided with a working link to the lyrics and the video you have selected in proper MLA formatting.

The video discussion needs to be a well-developed paragraph, not just a few sentences. See your Gardner text for additional information on writing explications or OWL@Purdue..

Paper for above instructions

Explicating “Love After Love” by Derek Walcott

Derek Walcott's poem “Love After Love” presents a profound meditation on self-love and the journey toward personal identity that follows a heart-wrenching romantic relationship. The title itself suggests a return to oneself after a loss, setting the stage for an exploration of healing and acceptance. Through vivid imagery and carefully structured lines, Walcott emphasizes the significance of embracing one's own identity once love fades. This explication will analyze the poem's themes, structure, language, and figurative devices to reveal how they combine to convey the complex emotions associated with love and self-rediscovery.

Thematic Analysis

The overarching theme of “Love After Love” is self-acceptance and the reintegration of one’s identity following the dissolution of love. The speaker addresses a universal truth that, after a period of romantic engagement, individuals can become lost or overshadowed by their partners. Walcott portrays the process of reclaiming oneself as both essential and inevitable. Readers are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences post-relationship, suggesting an intimate connection that many may resonate with. This theme responds directly to the modern human experience, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery.

Speaker and Situation

The poem's speaker remains ambiguous, lending a universal quality to the experiences expressed. The use of the second person in the first line, "You will greet yourself," creates a direct address that invites readers into the speaker's introspection (Walcott, line 1). This immediacy serves to establish a conversation between the speaker and the reader, emphasizing the personal nature of the journey. The scenario unfolds in a timeless setting—there are no specific temporal or geographical constraints—rendering the emotional journey accessible to anyone who has experienced love.

Structure and Language

“Love After Love” consists of short, impactful lines that contribute to its contemplative tone. The use of enjambment—where thoughts extend beyond lines—mirrors the ongoing process of self-discovery. For instance, in lines 3-4, "You will love again / the stranger who was yourself," Walcott emphasizes the returning motion of recognizing oneself through fluidity in structure (Walcott, lines 3-4). This technique maintains a consistent rhythm that allows the reader to ponder each revelation fully.
Walcott's diction is simple yet profoundly evocative. Words like “greet,” “feed,” and “love” are straightforward actions that embody care and acceptance. The repetition of the imperative "you will" imbues the poem with a sense of certainty and hope, motivating the reader to engage proactively with their journey of self-love. The combination of these ordinary yet emotive words creates a warm tone that contrasts with the pain of loss earlier in the poem.

Figurative Language and Imagery

Imagery plays a crucial role in conveying the themes of personal rebirth and self-appreciation. Walcott captures the sensuous act of self-reunion with powerful phrases such as “Sit. Feast on your life” (Walcott, line 8). This metaphor prompts readers to savor their own existence—a celebration of life rather than a focus on the loss of love. The metaphor culminates in suggesting that individuals possess the ability to nourish their own souls. By transforming "feast" into an act of self-care, Walcott elevates the mundane to the sacred; self-love becomes a meal shared with oneself.
Furthermore, the imagery of "the stranger who was yourself" powerfully evokes the notion that after a relationship, one may feel unfamiliar within their skin. Walcott suggests that rediscovery is akin to meeting an estranged friend. Through such imagery, Walcott beautifully encapsulates the essence of self-renewal while also underscoring the importance of acknowledging one’s individuality before and after love.

Tone and Sound

The poem’s tone shifts from melancholic to celebratory as it progresses. It begins with the somber recognition of loss but ultimately evolves into a message of empowerment and renewal. The poem employs an encouraging voice that endorses acceptance—the speaker becomes a guiding entity for the reader, steering them from sorrow to solace.
Sound devices, such as assonance and alliteration, are subtly infused throughout the poem, enhancing its musical quality. For instance, the repetition of vowel sounds in “greet” and “yourself” creates a lyrical cadence that draws the reader into the poetic rhythm (Walcott, line 1). These sound patterns resonate and linger in the reader's mind, further emphasizing the theme that love—whether for another or oneself—deserves to be experienced fully.

Conclusion

In “Love After Love,” Derek Walcott masterfully intertwines theme, structure, language, and imagery to present an in-depth exploration of self-love and rediscovery post-relationship. The poem invites reflection on the profound beauty of reconnecting with oneself, illustrating that love is not solely determined by the presence of another but also by the relationship individuals cultivate with themselves. Through careful attention to poetic devices and a resonant message, Walcott’s work will linger with readers, serving as a timeless reminder of the importance of self-acceptance and the enduring impact that love—both given and received—has on the journey of personal identity.

References

Walcott, Derek. "Love After Love." The Poetry of Derek Walcott 1948-2013, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2014.