2007 Poetry Timed Writing: "A barred Owl" and "The History Teacher"
In the following two poems, adults provide explanations for children. Read the poems carefully. Then write an essay in which you compare and contrast the two poems, analyzing how each poet uses literary devices to make his point.
Reflection
If i were to re-write this essay, i would make a few simple changes that could greatly increase my overall grade on this timed writing. I would have added more literary devices to my paper such as irony or imagery. In "The History Teacher" there is irony distributed throughout the poem. Even though both poems an adult figure is lying to a child, in "A Barred Owl" it is acceptable because the parent is trying to put the child back to sleep by comforting them. In "The History Teacher" the teacher is sheltering the students by not teaching the children correct terminology. I would continue to elaborate on irony because with this extra literary device, my essay contains more support which in return will increase my grade. Along with irony, i would have quickly mentioned the imagery that is evident in "The History Teacher" which supports the argument that the teacher was not helping the students out. "The Children would leave his classroom for the playground to torment the weak and the smart," (14-17).