Choice 2: Analysis of "Self in 1958"

Directions for Seminar #3—Due Fri., 1/27

Read: Self in 1958 by Anne Sexton, p. 85-6 in Convergences
This writing assignment uses “The Method” from Writing Analytically

Read the poem by Anne Sexton at least twice and then go through the following exercise. You’ll hand in everything—all three lists, showing your rankings, and the paragraph on one repetition or strand or binary that is especially significant. You do NOT need to type up the word lists, but DO type up your paragraph on the significant one.

Make a list of exact repetitions—identical or nearly identical words or details—and write the number of times each repeats. Consider different forms of the same word (run, ran, running) as exact repetitions.

TIP: Write the word and just make checks or marks next to it; then count how many you have.

Locate strands. These are repetitions of words/images/ideas that can be grouped together. For example, tree, vine, plant, herb could be a strand, or teacher, student, school, education. Be able to explain the strand’s connecting logic, how they link together. Name it.

TIP: There is often more than one way to organize a strand. Do this in the way that is logical to you and relates to the patterns you see in the material.

Locate details or words that suggest binary oppositions or organizing contrasts. For example: open/closed, polite/rude. Binaries need not be opposites—pink/gray or hopeful/exited could be binaries.

TIP: Binary just means two, a meaningful pair of opposites or related-but-different words.

Look through your each of your three lists and rank it in some order of importance. You may have to rename or label some of the strands or binaries. Then make sure to indicate which you take to be the KEY repetition, strand, binary. You might number your list, use starts or colored markers to indicate which ones seem MOST important.

Look over the three lists and CHOOSE ONE repetition, strand, or binary as especially significant or interesting or revealing. Then write a healthy paragraph (1/3 of a page or better) in which you explain the significance of this choice—what is important, what does it reveal, how does it affect your understanding of the text as a whole. Type this part.