Day 3 AP Prompts

The following 1999 Advanced Placement Literature and Composition prompt is typical of an AP Poetry essay. You can use the same elements of analysis mentioned to approach other poems.

Original Prompt: Read the following poem carefully, paying particular attention to the physical intensity of the language. Then write a well-organized essay in which you explain how the poet conveys not just a literal description of picking blackberries but a deeper understanding of the whole experience. You may wish to include analysis of such elements as diction, imagery, metaphor, rhyme, rhythm, and form.

Revised Stable Prompt: In the following poem "Blackberry Picking" by Seamus Heaney, the poet conveys not just a literal description of picking blueberries but a deeper understanding of the whole experience. Read the poem carefully. Then, in a well-written essay, analyze how Heaney uses poetic elements and techniques to develop that complex insight.

b 5 10 15     20	Blackberry Picking by Seamus Heaney Late August, given heavy rain and sun For a full week, the blackberries would ripen. At first, just one, a glossy purple clot Among others, red, green, hard as a knot. You ate that first one and its flesh was sweet Like thickened wine: summer's blood was in it Leaving stains upon the tongue and lust for Picking. Then red ones inked up and that hunger Sent us out with milk-cans, pea-tins, jam-pots Where briars scratched and wet grass bleached our boots. Round hayfields, cornfields and potato-drills We trekked and picked until the cans were full, Until the tinkling bottom had been covered With green ones, and on top big dark blobs burned Like a plate of eyes. Our hands were peppered With thorn pricks, our palms sticky as Bluebeard's. We hoarded the fresh berries in the byre. But when the bath was filled we found a fur, A rat-grey fungus, glutting on our cache. The juice was stinking too. Once off the bush The fruit fermented, the sweet flesh would turn sour. I always felt like crying. It wasn't fair That all the lovely canfuls smelt of rot. Each year I hoped they'd keep, knew they would not.
	For further study, check out the BBC’s “Study Ireland” website, where you can hear Heaney read this poem aloud. You can also download teacher's notes with study questions. The College Board’s AP website has sample essays, a grading rubric, and commentary on the essays.

Your Turn: And, you knew it was coming, didn’t you? Write the essay described above. You will have only 40 minutes.

Listen to Heaney read this poem.