Project Guidelines: Poet Infographic You will be creating ✓ Solved

Create an Infographic on one of the authors that we covered this semester in LIT 2000. This type of assignment seeks to accomplish two goals: explore at least two points about an author's works and create a visual support for the information. Include the following items:

• Banner at the top of the page with the author's name and subtitle (theme of your visual essay).
• Overview of what you are going to explain about his or her work.
• Two points enhanced by visual representations.
• A sidebar with biographical information on the author.
• A summary of what the two points convey in a larger sense.

This assignment is designed to give you practice in creating a visual essay, with the audience being a college class. Possible topics include:

• Simon J. Ortiz covering his background as a Native American, his themes in "My Father's Song," and his importance as a poet today.
• Adrienne Rich as a feminist poet, including the themes of love and marriage in "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers," and her appeal as a poet.
• Theodore Roethke as a 20th-century poet, including the themes of a dysfunctional family and his impact on his reading audience.

Focus your ideas with a simple visual enhancement. When writing about the poet, include a photograph of the poet (or portrait) to convey a sense of their identity. Keep the infographic focused on the main points: the introduction, biography, and main themes without cluttering the information with other points.

Make the visuals complementary using 2-3 main colors that coordinate and fit with the photographic images. Vary the images and use “white space” effectively. Always proofread the text sections of the infographic for credibility.

Paper For Above Instructions

Creating an infographic about a poet involves both analytical and creative skills. For this project, I will explore the life and works of Adrienne Rich, a prominent feminist poet whose contributions to literature have left a lasting legacy. This infographic will highlight Rich's themes of love and marriage as illustrated in her poem "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" and will provide a biographical sidebar detailing her life and impact as a poet.

Overview of Adrienne Rich

Adrienne Rich was born on May 16, 1929, in Baltimore, Maryland. She graduated from Radcliffe College and published her first collection of poetry, "A Change of World," in 1951. Rich's poetry and prose focus on themes of feminism, identity, and social justice, making her an influential figure in contemporary literature. Her dedication to exploring the complexities of womanhood and personal identity has resonated with many readers, particularly in the feminist movement.

Point 1: Themes of Love in "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers"

In "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers," Rich examines the constraints placed on women by societal expectations and the struggles of articulating one's identity within those constraints. The poem features Aunt Jennifer, who creates vibrant tigers on a tapestry, representing the fierce and independent spirit of women. However, Aunt Jennifer's own life is marked by oppression, as she is constrained by the weight of her marriage and societal norms, symbolized by the heavy needles she works with. Through powerful imagery and stark contrasts, Rich illustrates the juxtaposition between Aunt Jennifer's artistic expression and the harsh reality of her existence.

Point 2: Marriage and Identity

Rich uses "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" to comment on the institution of marriage and its impact on women's identity. The poem reflects Aunt Jennifer’s struggle for autonomy and the tension between her domestic role and her artistic aspirations. The line “Her hands will go on weaving though the tigers are made” suggests a perpetual cycle of oppression, indicating that even through her creative expression, Aunt Jennifer remains bound by her circumstances. Rich's portrayal of Aunt Jennifer becomes a broader commentary on how marriage can suffocate female identity, leaving women caught between societal expectations and personal desires.

Summary of Themes

The themes explored in "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" transcend the individual story of Aunt Jennifer, conveying broader implications about the role of women in a patriarchal society. Rich's work highlights the struggle for identity and empowerment, emphasizing that true freedom for women requires breaking away from societal constraints. The tigers, bold and free, serve as a metaphor for the aspirations of women everywhere, representing the desire for independence and strength amidst oppression.

Biographical Sidebar

Adrienne Rich's life intersected with significant events in American history, including the civil rights movement and the rise of feminism. Her later works, such as "Of Woman Born" and "The Dream of a Common Language," dive deeper into the politics of gender and identity, advocating for a more equitable society. Rich's essays are equally impactful, often challenging established norms and demanding recognition for women's voices in both art and society. Her contribution to literature continues to inspire future generations of writers and activists.

Conclusion

In summary, creating an infographic on Adrienne Rich allows for the exploration of her profound insights into the struggles of women regarding love and identity. Rich’s powerful imagery in "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers" coupled with a comprehensive biography sets the stage for a rich visual narrative that honors her legacy and empowers others to embrace their stories and identities.

References

• Rich, Adrienne. "Aunt Jennifer's Tigers." In "The Dream of a Common Language," W.W. Norton & Company, 1978.
• Rich, Adrienne. "Of Woman Born: Motherhood as Experience and Institution." W.W. Norton & Company, 1976.
• Showalter, Elaine. "The Female Malady: Women, Madness, and English Culture, 1830-1980." Virago Press, 1987.
• Heilbrun, Carolyn. "Writing a Woman's Life." Ballantine Books, 1988.
• Blume, Judith. "Adrienne Rich: A Critical Review." Feminist Studies, vol. 3, no. 1, 1977, pp. 1-14.
• Gamer, Michael. "The Influence of Feminism on the Poetry of Adrienne Rich." Modern Fiction Studies, vol. 32, no. 2, 1986, pp. 344-358.
• McClatchy, J. D. "The Life and Work of Adrienne Rich." New York Times Book Review, 1993.
• Weedman, Keith. "Adrienne Rich's Feminist Poetics." Southern Literature, vol. 8, no. 2, 2000, pp. 145-160.
• Heller, Zoe. "The Feminist Legacy of Adrienne Rich." The Paris Review, 2012.
• Moglen, Helene. "The Critical Lens of Adrienne Rich: Feminism and Subjectivity." Contemporary Literature, vol. 25, no. 3, 1984, pp. 1-18.