ENG 313 – Milton

Fall 2002

Dr. Berglund

First paper due Monday, 23 September, at least 750 words and no more than 1,250 words.

Choose one of the following poems: "On Time" (p. 53), "At a Solemn Music" (p. 55), Sonnet 7 ("How soon hath Time," p. 85) or "On the Death of a Fair Infant Dying of a Cough" (p. 247).

Then, interpret the poem in light of our discussions of Milton's other early works, and relying on what you learned from our discussion of paraphrase techniques. Define the topic of your essay as narrowly or as broadly as you wish. For example, you may write on a single image in one of the poems; you may investigate Milton's use of a classical or Biblical figure; you may focus on versification, rhyme, meter, or other structural elements; or you may analyze the poem as a whole. Feel free to compare these works to poems we've studied in class; however, your first priority should be to provide a close reading. You may, but need not, consult secondary material.

In grading this paper, I will judge 1) the focus and persuasiveness of your thesis; 2) your insight into Milton's poetry; 3) your skill at close reading and incorporation of quotation analysis; 4) the clarity of your prose; 5) your adherence to rules of grammar and mechanics.

If you wish me to comment on a draft of the paper, please send it to me via email, at berglul@buffalostate.edu. I will send you my suggestions within 48 hours.