- Exploring the Evocative Power of Memory and Nostalgia in Sandra Cisneros’s “Old Maids” and Gary Soto’s “October”
This essay explores the common theme of memory and nostalgia in Sandra Cisneros’s “Old Maids” and Gary Soto’s “October.” Both poems employ memory to vividly capture moments from the past, but they do so in distinct ways. “Old Maids” uses poignant imagery and sensory details to reflect on the lives of unmarried women and the choices that shape their futures, offering a universal meditation on growing older and the consequences of decisions made. On the other hand, Gary Soto’s “October” offers a personal and autobiographical perspective, providing insights into the poet’s childhood and his relationship with his father. Through the use of memory, the poem captures the essence of a specific season, allowing readers to connect with the emotions associated with that time and place. Both poems highlight the evocative power of memory, illustrating its capacity to elicit deep emotions, connect with readers, and provide a deeper understanding of the human experience.
Assignment Requirements:
- Select one of the provided prompts and choose two poems that align with the theme or literary element mentioned in the prompt.
- Conduct close readings of the selected poems, paying careful attention to literary devices, imagery, symbolism, and themes.
- Develop a clear and arguable thesis statement that serves as the guiding thread of your analysis.
- Support your arguments with evidence from the poems, citing specific lines or stanzas using proper MLA 9 in-text citations.
- Organize your essay logically with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Ensure that your essay is well-organized and supports cohesion.
- Employ formal academic language and adhere to proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
- Include a Works Cited page with correct MLA 9 citations for the poems you analyze.
- If you use secondary scholarly sources, you must cite those via MLA 9 correctly too.