Sylvia Plath Poetry Project: Mr. Fleming/ Mrs. Barry English AP/HL 2 IB For this project, each group will present its poem during the assigned class period. Because of the nature of the poetry and of the complexity of Sylvia Plath, plan to use the entire class period for your explication. Time your presentation so it does not extend beyond the class period. The following guidelines apply:
The entire poem must be read aloud before your explication. The class will follow along in text as you read.
Be certain the work load is equally divided among all group members. The way in which your group completes the analysis is entirely up to you. This project merits both a group and an individual grade, requiring a typed page from EACH group MEMBER outlining each participant’s responsibility in the presentation as a whole, as well as a typed WORKS CITED (MLA FORMAT) page - also from each member - listing all sources used. This includes web sources as well as books, articles, etc. A “Reserved” shelf has been arranged in the SM library with Plath reference material to facilitate your research.
Be thorough in your analysis! Your classmates should feel they completely understand the poem at the completion of your presentation. Use the handout on “Explicating Poetry” – found on the English AP/HL2 IB page - as a guide in ensuring you explore every aspect of the poem. Be certain you incorporate the way(s) in which the poetic conventions and notable literary devices contribute to the overall meaning and theme(s) of the poem. Ask yourself how the personal life of Sylvia Plath influenced your particular poem. Leave “no stone unturned” in your explication! Elements evaluated should include, but are not limited to, the following: o dramatic situation, point of view, images and metaphors, allusions, diction, themes and motifs, historical context, prosody (tone, rhyme, meter, structure). o The “Explicating Poetry” handout found on the English AP/HL 2 IB class page will be invaluable in the completion of this project.
Be creative in your presentation: Power Points, transparencies, art work/illustrations, class handouts, etc., prove invaluable in effective presentations. Remember: These poems are all possibilities for the IB Oral and the AP Written exams at the semester. A thorough and complete explication is CRITICAL!
Total points: 200: 100 for group, 100 for the thoroughness and effectiveness of your personal portion of the presentation. Your personal grade will be adversely affected if you are not present on the day of your group’s presentation or if you do not contribute equally to the overall presentation. Be prepared on your assigned day and plan your presentation for the entire class period.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask or email Mr. Fleming.
