Reflection paper

For this reflection, we will practice being New Critics. Be sure to review Close Reading Strategies: A Process Approach from Unit 2, Reading Like a New Critic.

Chose a poem from this unit and Formulate a general question after your initial reading that identifies a problem—a tension—that is fruitful for discussion. (Consider your discussion posts and exchanges with your classmates).
Reread the work, paying particular attention to the question you posed. Take notes, which should be focused on your central question. Write an exploratory journal entry or blog post that allows you to play with ideas.
Construct a working thesis that makes a claim about the work and accounts for the following:

What does the work mean?
How does the work artistically demonstrate the theme you’ve identified?
“So what” is significant about the work? That is, why is it important for you to write about this work? What will readers learn from reading your interpretation?
Reread the text to gather textual evidence for support. What literary devices are used to achieve theme?
Construct an informal outline that demonstrates how you will support your interpretation.
You are submitting step 3 and 5, the thesis statement and informal outline demonstrating your support. Use the “Response Paper Outline Form” to complete the assignment and submit it here. Feel free to build off of your discussion post(s) or ideas that you generated there.

Just to be clear — You are working as a New Critic and submitting a thesis and an outline

If you are unsure of how to create an outline or why it’s important, please visit the following YouTube videos:

How to Write an Essay Outline – Essay Writing Tips For Exams
Formal Outline

ANSWER

Sample Outline:

• Humans are innate beings.
  1. Human beings can distinguish between right and wrong approaches.
     1. A positive attitude and perception allow human beings to behave appropriately. In most cases, humankind tends to disregard others’ expectations if they have a negative attitude and perception about something.
     2. Human beings possess no control over their reactions because they are innate. People believe in various perspectives that define their lives and who they are. Thus, it becomes hard to change their thoughts and perceptions.
  2. Situations and conditions determine a person’s behavior and actions.
     1. Risky or threatening circumstances might attract the integration of positive or negative actions, depending on what a person views to be a suitable approach to undertake.
     2. Potentially-beneficial generates positive behavior. Individuals are likely to act in an ideal manner because of the benefits they stand to acquire under given circumstances.

• Human beings are driven by the desire to change perspectives.
  1. Civilization supports quality behaviors and actions. The awareness about possible outcomes associated with a task or initiative helps people make autonomous and informed decisions.
     1. Humankind has the power to assess right and wrong actions depending on the expectations of other people and their beliefs as well.
     2. Humankind has control over the rest of nature. The presence of an improved mental capacity assists in making appropriate choices.
  2. The reliance on the human inner world and enriched life helps to meet quality outcomes.
     1. Human beings should always embrace and uphold their beliefs and practices. This helps them from evading adverse consequences likely to emerge if they fail to act accordingly.
     2. The central motivation behind human actions is sustainable living.

Selected Poem: Anecdote of the Jar