Final answer:
The essay assignment on comparing a Whitman poem with a Dickinson poem focuses on their use of poetic devices to depict their distinct perspectives, requiring a claim, evidence from poems, and analytical commentary, and culminates in a conclusion that synthesizes the insights gained.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assignment of comparing and contrasting a poem by Walt Whitman with one by Emily Dickinson allows students to explore the poetic devices used by these poets and how they reflect each poet's unique perspective. When writing an essay on this topic, one should focus on creating a strong claim about the poets' attitudes and how their use of poetic devices like rhyme and figurative language support that claim. An effective essay will address similarities and differences in the poets' work, providing evidence and commentary to analyze how those elements contribute to each poet's distinct voice in American literature.
The body of the essay should consist of organized paragraphs that provide evidence from the selected Whitman and Dickinson poems, backed with analysis that supports the initial claim. Aspects that might be compared include the poets' use of natural vs. manmade elements, their engagement with historical events like the Civil War, or the unique voices they established in American literature, breaking from the traditions of Emerson, Hawthorne, and Melville.
Finally, a strong conclusion will articulate the ultimate impact or meaning revealed by the comparison, tying together the main points and solidifying the reader's understanding of the insights gained through this literary analysis.