The Danger of a single story
Paper instructions:
You will be writing a Comparison and Contrast Essay that examines two different poets from two different backgrounds exploring the theme of race relations. You will apply at least two (2) literary elements found in both poems to illustrate your analysis of the poems. For background information on the two poets you will be writing about,
Listen to the talk “ The Danger of a single story” by Nigerian writer Chimamanda Adichie: http://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story.html
Watch the video clips:
“A day with Wole Soyinka” at
“Sharon Olds Speaks at the 2008 Poets Forum” at
Preparation for writing the essay:
Before beginning your essay, read about the comparison and contrast essay at the Excelsior College OWL:
Writing the essay:
You will use the close reading methods previously covered to illustrate and support your explication method and to gather evidence and quotes from the poems to support your thesis in this comparison and contrast essay about two different poems expressing views on race relations.
Having read the poems:
“Telephone Conversation” by Wole Soyinka
“On the Subway” by Sharon Olds
Write a 500 to 750 word essay comparing and contrasting the themes of these two poems, examining at least two (2) specific literary elements in both poems, and ensuring you include quotes from each poem to support and illustrate the theme.