Paper Assignment #3

Like a Beggar by Ellen Bass

Instructions: Choose one of the options below to plan, write, and edit an essay directed at a reader who is intelligent and well-informed, already familiar with Bass's book, and impatient with idle talk about your topic. In other words, craft the sort of thesis-driven, style conscious essay that Trimble encourages in Chapters 1 – 10 of Writing with Style.

Analysis Paper
Using the lecture, “Reading Poetry,” as your guide, compose an essay that examines the function of imagery and metaphor in Ellen Bass' poetry. Choose two or three of her poems to illustrate the manner in which images--or patterns of images (also called motifs)--lead us to understand her themes. In so doing, explain how your interpretation benefits your reader.
Your paper should be approximately 1,000 words in length, written in correct MLA format.
Comparison Paper
Read one of the following Ellen Bass poetry collections and compare it to Like a Beggar. Consider how she uses the elements of poetry to express her themes. What do the books have in common? What is different? How do you account for the differences? In what ways do the two books complement each other? In what ways does each cover new, albeit related, territory?
  • The Human Line
  • Mules of Love
Your paper should be approximately 1,000 words in length, written in correct MLA format.
Creative Paper
Explore your own "voice" as a writer. Compose a letter to Ellen Bass in which you consider two or three key themes in her poems. Freely quote from her verse as needed, but try to limit quoted material to roughly 10% of your paper. The point of the paper is for you to develop a conversational tone in an imaginary "conversation," in which the poems and their effects on you are the basis of discussion. Use Trimble's advice about attractive formatting, interesting phrasing, and dramatic plotting from Chapter 10 as inspiration. Stylistic risk-taking will be rewarded!
Your paper should be approximately 1,000 words in length, written in correct MLA format.
Research Paper
Watch the De Anza Library’s Information Literacy Videos found at this link: http://www.deanza.edu/library/infoliteracy.html.  This information will assist you in researching and writing on the following topic. Use a minimum of five sources in your paper, including the book, Like a Beggar. Compose a paper that introduces your reader to the literary career of Ellen Bass, including relevant aspects of her biography, bibliography, and critical reception. Include both general and scholarly references, and carefully integrate your sources into the fabric of your discussion. Why should intelligent, educated members of our society read Bass's poems? Of what value are they? Use the techniques of analysis, synthesis, and comparison in your essay.
Your paper should be approximately 1,500 words in length, written in correct MLA format.
Suggested Due Date for Analysis, Comparison, or Creative Paper: Monday, June 12 / Tuesday, June 13.
Suggested Due Date for Research Paper: Monday, June 19 / Tuesday, June 20.
Submit your paper to our class account on Turnitin.com
Class ID#:
Mon/Wed 15175337
Tue/Thu 15175342
Password: paper4denny
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