Used—-engl214—–final exam part i—-at least 750 words

ENGL 214: Final Exam, Part 1

 (25 points)

Begin by reading and taking notes on Chapter 20: Critical Casebook on T.S. Eliot (pp. 367-389).  There are two sections of literary criticism in this casebook.  First, on pages 375-377, there are the immediate reviews of Prufrock and Other Observations (the pamphlet of poems Eliot published which contained “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock”).  These reviews were written by historically significant writers and editors and show the public’s immediate reactions to Eliot’s freshly published work.  

Then, there are later, critical interpretations of Prufrock which were published 1976-2000.  These critical essays (pp. 380-389) present more contemporary interpretations of Prufrock after it became viewed as a significant piece of Modern poetry.  You should read both sections in order to get a better understanding of this complicated poem.  You may also want to review “How to Quote a Poem” (pp. 520-521).  

You have two writing assignments for Final Exam, Part 1:  

Essay 1

First, imagine that you are an upper-class editor in London around the time when Prufrock and Other Observations was first published 1917.  Pretend Eliot’s pamphlet Prufrock and Other Observations lands on your desk.  You read “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” for the first time.  Write a review of this poem from a London editor’s point of view.  Remember that this is 1917, and Eliot’s style of poetry has never been seen before.  

What do you like about “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock”?  On the other hand, what about the poem do you find unsavory or distasteful or just plain bad?  Pretend you have the mind of a literary editor in 1917, and write a review that shows your immediate reaction to this no-name poet?  Remember, readers in society are depending on you to write a thoughtful review which presents a clear point of view about the poem.  Do not let your readers in the general public down!

Explain what your opinion is about the poem, and make sure to use evidence (cite from the poem) to support your point.  Make sure to include at least 5 vocabulary terms from your textbook in your review of “The Love Song of J.Alfred Prufrock.”  You do not have to define the vocabulary words, but you should apply them to the poem through your writing.  For example, “T.S. Eliot’s imagery is…he uses the stanza to…”  You may also want to reference other reviews/reviewers from 1917 (pp. 375-377).  Make sure to edit and proofread your review.  Grammar mistakes will negatively affect your grade.  Your review should be at least 500 words. Note: make sure to review the grade sheet—which is the last page of this attachment—before submitting your work.

Essay 2

Most critics agree that the main speaker in T.S. Eliot’s “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” is J. Alfred Prufrock.  Your second assignment is to write an essay in which you profile J. Alfred Prufrock.  In other words, you should write a summary of the character and include specific observations.  Here are some things you might want to consider: what do you think his first initial “J” stands for?  What is the character’s approximate age?  Situation in life?  Attitude toward self?  Attitude toward others (men and women)?  What fears does the speaker have?  What does he worry about?  What does he enjoy?  What is his general personality like, and how do you know?  Make sure that your interpretation of the character is rooted in the text of the poem.  In other words, draw only on what the poem tells you (or reveals or infers).  

Then, you should reflect on the character of J. Alfred Prufrock.  As a reader, do you find him admirable?  Why or why not?  Do you identify with him?  If you do identify with him, then you should explain how and why.  Have you ever met a person like Prufrock before, or have you seen a similar character in other poems or books or movies?  If so, what was your reaction?  

Explain what your own interpretation of J. Alfred Prufrock is, and make sure to cite evidence from the text to support your opinion.  Make sure to edit and proofread your character profile.  Grammar mistakes will negatively affect your grade.  Your profile essay should be at least 500 words. Note: make sure to review the grade sheet—which is the last page of this attachment—before submitting your work.

If you choose to include any outside sources (such as the websites posted by your peers in the discussion board assignments), you must document all of your citations using MLA format.  Remember to utilize the MLA header regardless.

ENGL 214: Final Exam, Part 1

Grade Sheet

(25 points)

1. Essay 1 Content Check (10):

The reviewer is convincing _____ 

The reviewer has a clear opinion about the poem

The reviewer captures the time period well

Sufficient development/detail _____

There are at least five poetic terms in the review 

The reviewer supports his or her opinion with evidence from the poem

The reviewer has utilized the Casebook well

Subtotal: _____

2. Essay 2 Content Check (10):

The writer profiles the character of J. Alfred Prufrock_____

The writer shows creativity 

The writer shows close observation and insight

Observations about the character are supported by textual evidence 

The writer reflects on the character of J. Alfred Prufrock_____

The writer explains what his/her reaction is and why

The writer includes personal examples

Subtotal: _____

3. Grammar/Mechanics Check (5):

Grammar is clear and does not obscure meaning _____

Evidence is introduced cited according to MLA format _____

Subtotal: _____

Total: _____