AP Lit Poetry Blogs -- Some observations & a few tips

Ok, AP Lit kids, here's the deal. You want the good news or bad news first?

Let's start with the good. 

I love your blogs. There's something so uniquely you about each of them -- the layouts you've chosen, the quotes and quips you've included, the photos you've uploaded, the ways you've made these digital spaces your own. It's really neat to see this extension of you and your personalities, and it's gratifying how you take care in your work and share it with me and other students across the country. I love your curiosity and your creativity, and I more than appreciate your "down-ness." (Like, seriously, you have no idea.) 

And now, because I know you're wanting me to get on with it, the not so good news. 

Understand that I'm now speaking in generalities. What I'm seeing GENERALLY in your blogs is writing and analysis that is too brief, only skims the surface, and is underdeveloped. It seems like some of the poems you've chosen are random and not exactly works you connect to or have any desire to explore. In a wide-open assignment, 25 books, and The Internet at your disposal, that should not be. 

I also notice that your analyses tend to read like READER RESPONSE, which isn't entirely bad, but isn't entirely good either. I'd like to see a blend of reader response and critical response. If we can strike that balance now and here in this space, we'll strike gold come May. (Sorry, that was lame.) But for real -- that's the goal here -- USING YOUR AUTHENTIC VOICE TO EXPLORE AND ANALYZE CONTEMPORARY POETRY. 'Tis no easy task. 

For now, it'd be a good idea to revisit the assignment. So, here it is. Review away. 

Long story short -- I'm looking for a minimum of 3 DEVELOPED paragraphs, and work that includes the title, author, and embedded quotations. 

And it'd also be a good idea to check out these blogs for analysis inspiration: 

• Ashli-Ann's for depth of analysis 
• Jillian C's for attention to detail & creative options (from assignment) 
• Ally's for voice, style, and depth 
• Molly's for authenticity 

Keep in mind that your blog has readers, and we still have some URL issues or some plain old blank pages. So here's the really real stuff: not posting is not an option. It looks bad on you and it looks bad on us. 

Let's give these other AP Lit kids in Michigan and Georgia and Virginia and Southern West Virginia and Texas and North Carolina something they can sink their teeth into! You owe it to yourselves to take as much away from this experience as you can. Also, I think you guys are special. So for whatever that's worth...

Keep at it. Keep working hard, thinking hard, and being fearless and creative and authentic. 

All the best,
​
Mrs. H