American Literature 246                  Name:_________________

Writing Assignment #1—20 points

Emily Dickinson’s Poetry

Due: The beginning of class, Thursday, September 28, 2006.

Ø First, pick any one of Dickinson’s poems from our text and write a competent line-by-line paraphrase of it. Be sure your paraphrase translates the poem into common language rather than interprets, explains, or analyzes its meaning.

Ø Next, in a paragraph, explain why you chose this particular poem. Specifically, why did it appeal to you? Go deep.

Ø Finally, in another paragraph or two, show how the poem you selected fits into one of Dickinson’s poetic themes or categories. Cite specific lines from the poem for support.

o Themes/Categories

ü Self-reliance

ü Individualism

ü Nature

ü Riddles

ü Death and dying

ü Marriage

ü Suffering

ü Religion and Spirituality

ü Truth or the lack thereof

Note: Please remember that since this is a ‘W’ course, the quality of your writing will in part determine the points you earn. Please turn in a thoughtful, edited draft.