Building a Better Poetry Paper: a beginner's poetry research toolkit
Source: www.roanestate.edu
Topic: Poetry
Sort Desciption: Poetry criticism isn't a talent many people are born with. ... poetry. Offers simple explanations of confusing concepts such as alliteration, ...
Content Inside: updated: 17 July 2002 Poetry 1 Building a Better Poetry Paper: a beginners poetry research toolkit presented by Robert Benson Call us: 882-4553 email us: librarystaff@roanestate.edu visit us on the Web: http://www.roanestate.edu/library So, youve got this poem. Youve read it. Youve thought about it. Youve reflected upon it. Youve pondered it. Youve worried it over until youre just about sick of it. Good. Nows the fun part. Writing and talking about it. Poetry criticism isnt a talent many people are born with. Thoughtful comments require skills of careful observation. Luckily, careful observation is a skill that can be learned. And, as with any skill, the going is easier if you have the right tools. Here are a few library tools to get you started. The library can offer much beyond these few general sources listed. Ask and it shall be answered. Seek and ye shall find. Research and ye shall reach a fuller understanding. General background tools The Poets Dictionary: A Handbook of Prosody and Poetic Devices(REF PN 44.5.P3 1989) • This dictionary explains the meanings of terms commonly used when talking about poetry. Offers simple explanations of confusing concepts such as alliteration, caesura, and irony. Especially strong with poetic devices. Dictionary of Literary Terms (REF PN 44.5.S46) • Another dictionary of poetic concepts, this work offers a wealth of more specific terms used in the literary arts. The Johns Hopkins Guide to Literary Theory & Criticism (REF PN 81.J554 1994) • An encyclopedia dealing exclusively with the people who think about literature and the ways in which they think about it. Gives rather detailed explanations of many past and present approaches to understanding literature. Coverage includes: archetypal theories, biographical criticism, close reading, comparative literature, feminism, Marxist criticism, and others. Princeton Encyclopedia of Poetry and Poetics (REF PN 1021.P7 1974) • Encyclopedic e ...
