Introduction

Today, as always in Dickinson's poetry, there is a great interest in her poetry as it contributes to women's studies. Her poetry centers around many things; such as, love and death, loss and despair, and feelings of aloneness.  In this unit, you will explore the depths of Dickinson's insight into the human condition.
 
 

Study a group of poems with related themes. Then write an interpretation of at least two of the poems that includes an expanded understanding of the way Dickinson uses these themes in her poems. Choose from among the following possible themes: 

(a) poems of loss and defeat
(b) poems about solitude
(c) poems about madness and suffering

Create a graphic organizer depicting the theme and connected poems using spreadsheet or kidspiration.

First, you will be assigned to a partner. Each student will be assigned a role: notetaker or researcher. Together, you will compile an essay and graphic organizer. 

Go to the following link: 
http://www.online-literature.com/dickinson/

Read the selected poems and guide your research by the following questions: What poems set the mood as one of despair, madness, or loss. Find supporting evidence by Dickinson's use of any of the literary devices such as: word choice, repitition, alliteration...

Once you have analyzed Dickinson's works compile an interpretative essay. Next, illustrate your findings using any authoring tool. 
 
 

Grades will be based on the following:
Group Participation 20%
Interpretive Essay 40%
Graphic Organizer  40%
 

	Beginning 1	Developing 2	Accomplished 3	Exemplary 4	Score
Students demonstrate competence in collaborative group work as tools for learning and communicating	Rarely provides useful ideas when participating in the group and in classroom discussion. May refuse to participate.	Sometimes provides useful ideas when participating in the group and in classroom discussion. A satisfactory group member who does what is required.	Usually provides useful ideas when participating in the group and in classroom discussion. A strong group member who tries hard!	Routinely provides useful ideas when participating in the group and in classroom discussion. A definite leader who contributes a lot of effort.
Amount of Information	One or more topics were not addressed.	All topics are addressed, and most questions answered with  1 sentence about each.	All topics are addressed and most questions answered with at least 2 sentences about each.	All topics are addressed and all questions answered with at least 2 sentences about each.
Students will use available technology to produce and publish work.	Graphic organizer or outline has not been attempted.	Graphic organizer or outline has been started and includes some topics and subtopi.	Graphic organizer or outline has been completed and shows clear, logical relationships between most topics and subtopics.	Graphic organizer or outline has been completed and shows clear, logical relationships between all topics and subtopics.

Excellent 50-47:  Begins with and introduction which captures attention and insludes a clear thesis statement that makes a solid assertion.

Good 46-44:  Includes ample evidence to support the writer's position, and these examples are clearly analyzed and explained with direct quotations from poem.

Needs Improvement 43-49:  Is logically organized with well-formed paragraphs, including a sound conclusion.

Weak 38-35:  Is free of grammar, usage and mechanics errors.
 

Group Collaboration
Directions: Explain your responses.

Did both people contribute to the project?

Did one person do more than his or her share of the work?

Was your partner absent during this project?

Were all viewpoints considered when compiling data?

On a scale from 1 to 10 (with 10 being the highest), what would you rate this collaborative exercise?

Turn in with final project.

Conclusion

By analyzing Dickinson's works, you have come to an understanding of the richness and eloquence in poetic writing and the use of literary devices to express feeings. 

Emily Dickinson Photo
http://www.online-literature.com/dickinson/