We were first introduced to discovering the complexity in literature through the study of binary oppositions in our summer creative projects. We continued this through writing and reflecting upon benchmark essays, presenting theses on several poems of different themes, and beginning “Their Eyes Were Watching God”. Throughout each unit, we focused on complexity and symbolism. The Foster Chapters clued us into the meaning of different symbols and allusions -- vampires, flight, fairytales -- and we analyzed how they pertained to each poem. We also were introduced to the different forms of poetry and tone shifts and adapted to writing a different style of 5 paragraph essays, diverting the focus from literary devices to the author’s meaning.
Initially, identifying the complexity in the pieces was very difficult. I set several goals to aid with this process. I knew that if I could understand the different choices the author made -- regarding form of poetry, devices, tone, etc. -- then I would have a better chance of crafting an effective thesis. So, I studied the different forms of poetry and reviewed the meaning of each device in our Lit & Comp textbook. This certainly made it easier; knowledge of the form can often clue us into the location of each tone shift. This helped me identify the complexity. I also set goals to write a better essay, reading and reviewing the notes in our textbook, all the while moving away from the typical device-focused 5 paragraph essay. Although I began writing more effective theses and topic sentences, my pieces lacked some continuity. My topic sentences allowed me to write more organized pieces that emphasized meaning over specific devices, but I often struggled to include multiple devices within paragraphs. Also, my trail of logic within the essays was somewhat broken because I did not always do the best job of connecting the topic sentences back to the thesis. Although the connections were always clear in my mind, I failed to explicitly create them on paper. For this reason, my essays remained in a 5 range.
Still, I did experience a lot of growth. I’ve developed a better strategy for attacking the essays within the forty minute time period. I’ve understood how to identify tone shifts and use them to create an effective thesis. Although there is obviously room for improvement, it is important to acknowledge that there has been improvement. In the following semester, I would like to develop a deeper understanding of some new literary devices, like enjambment, so I can easily discuss how they add to the tone and complexity of the poem. I would also like to continue to extend my understanding of the different forms of poetry, focusing on how forms of meter (iambic pentameter, tetrameter, etc) add to the existing forms. This, in addition with ensuring to connect paragraphs back to the thesis, will allow me to create better essays with stronger analysis of the complexity within the pieces that I am writing. The most important thing that I have learned this semester is that continued participation and studying are most effective in this class. By doing homework consistently and putting equal effort into the projects, I was able to slowly but thoroughly develop my understanding of the topics in this class. Having experienced all aspects of the AP exam, I am confident that I will be ready by the time May arrives. I am certain that with continued effort and practice, I will be able to write developed essays in the 7-9 range.
