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"The Negro Speaks of Rivers" & "Ardella"

"Dream Variations" & "Refugee in America"

"The Tropics in New York"

"From the Dark Tower"

"A Black Man Talks of Reaping" & "Storm Ending"


 * Directions:**

Create a discussion page for your assigned poetry selections that includes the following items:
 * Statement of the theme of the poem or the author`s message
 * Summary of the poem`s or poems` plot
 * Discussion of the speaker of the poem--who is the speaker, what can be inferred about the "voice" of the poem? (Use quotes-at least three)
 * Discussion of metaphors, similes, imagery, or any other poetic devices you and your group identifies within the poem and their effect on the meaning of the poem (use quotes-at least three)
 * The associated reading questions and your group`s answers to them


 * Remember: Each section of your discussion page must be written using fully developed (8-10 senteces) paragraphs, using topic sentences, evidence, and concluding sentences.**

Rubric:

Rhetorical/Literary Analysis Rubric: 1. /20-Thesis / Argument: (Engaging opening introduces the discussion’s general topic and inspires thinking about that topic; logically proceeds to thesis; thesis is an easily identifiable, well-phrased argument that assesses the text and addresses a specific idea to be proven in the discussion; the idea offered in the thesis reflects sound critical thinking; title and author of work are appropriately referenced) 2. /20-Organization: (Each topic clearly connects to the thesis and offers an identifiable, well-phrased idea to be proven in the discussion of that topic; concrete details are well-chosen and incorporated; ideas are well-organized to create a coherent, carefully developed and supported argument; transitions between ideas are logical and each idea builds on the preceding; speaker maintains focus and control of argument so that the point of each section is always clear) 3. /20-Literary/Rhetorical Analysis: (discussion reflects a critical, analytical understanding of the text; through clear reasoning, speaker draws sophisticated, insightful inferences from concrete details to support the connected ideas of the TS and thesis; inferences are developed so that all claims and points made are well-supported and persuasive; analysis focuses on both thematic and stylistic elements of the text, demonstrating speaker’s ability to interpret the function of literary devices in the service of thematic meaning) 4. /20-Language/Voice: (discussion is academic in tone, demonstrating confidence and sophistication; speaker is clearly engaged with the topic; speaker’s voice is confident & persuasive; vocabulary and phrasing are academically appropriate, persuasive, and sophisticated without being pretentious) 5. /20-Mechanics: (discussion includes a variety of sentences marked by varying opening words and structure; effective syntax and grammar that demonstrate a mastery of discussion conventions and that serve the author’s purpose; consistent adherence to MLA guidelines; accurate Work Cited page)