Assignment:

•Compare/Contrast the Olds & Soyinka poems using TWO literary elements that they have in common

◦You can use the Elements of Poetry in the tab under the link for “The Fish”

◦Link: https://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/virtualit/poetry/fish_elements.html

◦Link: https://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/virtualit/poetry/elements.html

◦If you really want to search through it, you can use the Glossary of Poetic Terms

◦Any TWO terms from any of these lists is fine, as long as BOTH terms can be applied to BOTH poems

•Use quotes to support these elements and to support the theme of race relations ◦This means that you need to find short quotes that support the theme of race relations

◦AND quotes that show the use of the literary elements you chose to compare/contrast

•500 words minimum ◦Direct quotes don’t count toward this minimum, so for every line you quote make sure there is another line of your own analysis to meet the minimum.

**** Writing the essay:

You will use the close reading methods previously covered to illustrate and support your explication method and to gather evidence and quotes from the poems to support your thesis in this comparison and contrast essay about two different poems expressing views on race relations.

Having read the Poems:

1.“Telephone Conversation” by Wole Soyinka .

2.“On the Subway” by Sharon Olds .

Write a 500 to 750 word essay comparing and contrasting the themes of these two poems, examining at least two (2) specific literary elements in both poems, and ensuring you include quotes from each poem to support and illustrate the theme.