Is poetry relevant today? Why or Why Not? You will argue your point using cultural, social, and/or political significances along with the poetic elements the poets use to convey their messages.
Terrance Hayes utilizes musical language in American Sonnets for My Past and Future Assassin as a gateway to write about the human experience and touch on timely, real-world topics regarding a number of social, cultural, and political issues. For this assignment, you will practice a research-based paper to speak on your interpretation of his messages. You will analyze the question: Is poetry relevant today? Why or Why Not? You will argue your point using cultural, social, and/or political significances along with the poetic elements the poets use to convey their messages.
Your primary source is American Sonnets for My Past and Future Assassin, and your secondary sources will be 3 articles of your choice. As we examine these readings, we will look at how Hayes explores his topics by finding what he says specifically about them— “race”, “class”, “love”, “grief” are all too broad. How does he narrow his approach, incorporate research, and explore why the topic matters?
Sample Solution