Forms of Poetry

Just like there are many different genres of fiction, there are many different forms of poetry. In today's post you will be exploring three of those types and analyzing the purpose of each type.
For sources beyond your book you may follow the following links:
Free Verse Poetry
Prose Poem
Lyric Poem (Note that Ode's are examples of Lyric poems, as well.)

In your post define each type of poem. What are the main differences between each type and main similarities? Search for an example of each type of poem. Analyze the overall purpose of the poem and how the FORM aids the poet in achieving their purpose.

Challenge: Choose a form and write a poem in that style.

Apostrophe & Odes

Click on the linked resources to get a better understanding of both apostrophe and odes. Once you have read about these two types of poetry you will complete the following post:

1. Compare & contrast apostrophe to odes. Use an example from a poem to best demonstrate your point.
2. Choose an ode and a poem that demonstrates apostrophe (some examples are linked below). Analyze the author's purpose in writing an ode versus using apostrophe. Are both poetic devices just different means to the same end or do the function to achieve a different overall meaning/purpose in the poem?
3. Write your own ode. It may be an ode to whatever you choose, however, remember that you are aiming to achieve the same level of literary merit as the poetry we read. This should be AP level writing and effort.

Some suggested ode examples: Recollections of Early Childhood, Ode to a Grecian Urn
some suggested apostrophe examples: Wild, Wild Nights, Death, be not Proud
You may also find many more examples by searching Poetryfoundation,org or poets.org

Poetry Forum

Create your own post with poetry that you would like to share with the class. It can be poetry you wrote or poetry you like. Feel free to comment on each other's poetry, however provide only constructive and positive feedback in response to any art posted on this page. Any comment that is not AP level or constructive will be removed from the blog.

"Those Winter Sundays" Imagery

In this post you will be responding to the poem "Those Winter Sundays" by Robert Hayden (poem can be found HERE or on page 741 in your book.
1. Do some research about the author Robert Hayden. How might his background and upbringing impact his poetry? What connection can you make to this poem specifically?
2. This poem uses two NEW literary devices, sensory imagery and synesthesia. Give an example of each device directly from the text and explain how it is used in the poem.
3. Identify a vivid image. What does it make you imagine? Can you make a personal connection to the image or the poem overall?
4. What role does diction play in this poem? (*Think about the connotation and denotation of "hot" and "cold")

**If you have had trouble posting in the past-remember to type our your response in a separate document and then copy & paste it into the comments in order to post to avoid losing your work.

Denotation & Connotation

Choose a poem. In that poem select one word that particularly interests you. Explain why you chose it and how understanding its meaning is crucial to better understanding the poem as a whole. Research the denotation and connotation of that word. What is the history of this word? How did the connotations of the word develop over time? Are the multiple denotations and connotations? If so explain them. Why is it important that you understand the connotation and denotations of words?

Cite your poem and the primary source you used to research your word. 

Make sure to include an AP heading on your post to receive credit. 

Modern Feminism

I was thinking back to our Socratic Seminar from a few weeks ago and the discussion that we had around the female characters in The Great Gatsby, specifically Daisy. For all my Harry Potter lovers out there, Emma Watson was recently appointed the women's rights representative to the United Nations. Last week she gave this powerful speech and sent a message about how together (men and women) can help change the trajectory of gender equality across the world. Watch the video here-> Watson's Speech. In your first discussion post respond to her claims. What will it take for gender equality on a global level? How does this affirm or change your perspective on feminism? Can you see any connections to the way that women were viewed/treated in The Great Gatsby? (In all discussion posts be sure to support your claims with direct evidence from the source.)

AP College Board Resource

Check out the below link for access to many former essay questions. I will be assigning specific exams as we reach each type of essay throughout the course of the year. This site has a very detailed look into the structure and key points of the exam.
AP Lit Exam: College Board

Welcome to Ms. Nicholson's AP literature and composition blog! The purpose of this cite is to continue discussions had in class and have access to resources that will help you pass the big exam May 6th. You will be required to post on this blog regularly and will be responsible for checking in for assignments as well as supplemental readings.