Write an essay of 600 words, which compares how Jericho Brown in “Of the Swan” and William Butler Yeats in “Leda and the Swan” examine the Greek myth of Zeus’ rape of Leda. In each poem, what consequences of the rape does each poem address? What does each poem suggest about how the victim views what has happened? Incorporate materials from at least two sources from the library databases. These sources can focus on the myth or on Yeats’ poem. (It is unlikely that students will be able to find an analysis of Brown’s poem). All sources, primary and secondary, should be documented following MLA format.
Primary Sources
- Brown, Jerocho. "Of the Swan." The Tradition. Copper Canyon Press, 2019.
- Yeats, William Butler. “Leda and the Swan.” Poets.org. Accessed: 19 Mar. 2020. poets.org/poem/leda-and-swan.
Secondary Sources
At least two critical resources from the library databases on either of the poems or on the myth of Leda
Requirements
- Length: Your essay must be a minimum of 600 words.
- Documentation Format: You must include an MLA formatted Works Cited page that includes correctly formatted internal citations for the poems and the additional resources.
- Format: The essay must be in MSWord format (.doc or .docx)
Students must use MLA style documentation. Internal citations should identify the author and line number for the poems and author for the article. Students must also include an MLA Works Cited page.Students should proofread carefully their final drafts for spelling, grammar, and punctuation as well as clarity, conciseness, and completeness. The final draft should be typed, double spaced, with one inch margins, in Times New Roman 12 pt. The essay should be a minimum of 900 words.
The essay will be evaluated based on how well students develop their arguments with significant support from the poems (thesis, topic sentences, supporting details from the poems); clarity, cohesion, and conciseness; correct use of MLA format; and grammar and spelling.For this essay, students may use a dictionary to help with words with which they are not familiar but should not refer to the dictionary definitions in the essay. Students must use MLA style documentation. Internal citations should identify the author and line number for the poems and author or authors for any articles or other resources. Students must also include an MLA Works Cited page.
Students should proofread carefully their final drafts for spelling, grammar, and punctuation as well as clarity, conciseness, and completeness. The final draft should be typed, double spaced, with one inch margins, in Times New Roman 12 pt. The essay should be a minimum of 900 words.The essay will be evaluated based on how well students develop their arguments with significant support from the poems (thesis, topic sentences, supporting details from the poems); clarity, cohesion, and conciseness; correct use of MLA format; and grammar and spelling.
Text of "Leda and the Swan"
Yeats' poem "Leda and the Swan" is in the public domain. For students' convenience, the text of the poem is provided, and a Works Cited entry given under primary sources.
“Leda and the Swan”
by William Butler Yeats
A sudden blow: the great wings beating still
Above the staggering girl, her thighs caressed
By the dark webs, her nape caught in his bill,
He holds her helpless breast upon his breast.
How can those terrified vague fingers push
The feathered glory from her loosening thighs?
And how can body, laid in that white rush,
But feel the strange heart beating where it lies?
A shudder in the loins engenders there
The broken wall, the burning roof and tower
And Agamemnon dead.
Being so caught up,
So mastered by the brute blood of the air,
Did she put on his knowledge with his power
Before the indifferent beak could let her drop?
