SOME TOOLS FOR PLANNING ESSAYSSeriously…writing requires forethought.

Decide on Key Points First.

Point Shakespeare Millay

SpeakerAlike [ X ]Different [ ]

Example:The speaker is, ostensibly, the author, writing to, or inspired by, an undisclosed beloved.

Example:The speaker is the author, esp. since she inserts her self directly in the final quatrain and the couplet.

ThemeAlike [ ]Different [ ]

ToneAlike [ ]Different [ ]

Figurative LanguageAlike [ ]Different [ ]

StyleAlike [ ]Different [ ]

Author’s BackgroundAlike [ ]Different [ ]

Developing the topic: Point-by-point

Point ShakespeareSonnet 18

MillaySonnet 30

If you use this organizational structure, your essay will have a beginning paragraph as normal (background, hook, and thesis), but the first BODY paragraph will compare and contrast the SPEAKER from both texts.

The next paragraph will compare THEME from both texts; the paragraph after that, FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE, and so on.

1. Speaker

2. Theme

3. Figurative Language

4. Style

5. Tone

6. Author’s background

Developing the topic: subject-by-subject

Selection

Speaker Tone Figurative

Language

Style Tone Author’s Backgro

und

Shakespeare

Sonnet 18

Millay Sonnet 30

If you use this organizational structure, your essay will address all your points as they relate to the Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18, followed by a paragraph addressing all your points as they relate to Millay’s Sonnet 30.

Some Reminders

Always, always, always, always, ALWAYS, read the prompt! Be sure you know what is being asked of you. More than one brilliant writer has flubbed their test because they misread the prompt.

My suggestion: Circle the key elements of the prompt so you absolute are aware of what is being asked.

Write a literary analysis that compares and contrasts Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18 and Millay’s Sonnet 30 and how these works handle themes of love.