Day 8 Theme

The following 2004 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: The poems below are concerned with darkness and night. Read each poem carefully. Then, in a well-written essay, compare and contrast the poems, analyzing the significance of dark or night in each. In your essay, consider elements such as point of view, imagery, and structure.

Revised Stable Prompt: The poems below are concerned with darkness and night. Read each poem carefully. Then, in a well-written essay, compare and contrast the poems, analyzing how each poet uses poetic elements and techniques to develop the meaning of dark and night. (Note: It is unlikely that the current format will use two mpoems. Comparison/contrast is a useful skill regardless.)

The College Board’s AP website has sample essays, a grading rubric, and commentary on the essays written in response to this prompt. Note that College Board has said that it will no longer ask comparison/contrast prompts on two poems. An important college writing skill nonetheless.

S 5 10 15 20	We grow accustomed to the Dark by Emily Dickinson We grow accustomed to the Dark -- When light is put away -- As when the Neighbor holds the Lamp To witness her Goodbye -- A Moment -- We uncertain step For newness of the night -- Then -- fit our Vision to the Dark -- And meet the Road -- erect -- And so of larger -- Darknesses -- Those Evenings of the Brain -- When not a Moon disclose a sign -- Or Star -- come out -- within -- The Bravest -- grope a little -- And sometimes hit a Tree Directly in the Forehead -- But as they learn to see -- Either the Darkness alters -- Or something in the sight Adjusts itself to Midnight -- And Life steps almost straight.		S   5 10	Acquainted with the Night by Robert Frost I have been one acquainted with the night. I have walked out in rain -- and back in rain. I have outwalked the furthest city light. I have looked down the saddest city lane. I have passed by the watchman on his beat And dropped my eyes, unwilling to explain. I have stood still and stopped the sound of feet When far away an interrupted cry Came over houses from another street, But not to call me back or say good-bye; And further still at an unearthly height, O luminary clock against the sky Proclaimed the time was neither wrong nor right. I have been one acquainted with the night.
	The Nocturnes is an organization dedicated to night photography. The website includes quotes and poems about the night, a gallery of featured artists, tips for your own night photography, and much more.
	Shackleton Crossing by Larrie Thomson Rail crossing near the partially abandoned town of Shackleton, Saskatchewan			Moon and Bridges, NY by Brian Kelly
	Your Turn: Go to the Nocturnes website, or any other which features night photography. Download a photograph that inspires you, or use the site’s tips to take your own night photograph. Then, write your own poetic response to the night as pictured in your chosen photograph. Prepare a small poster, featuring and crediting the photographer and including your poetic homage to his art -- especially if you ARE the artist.