Dec 25, 2009

Leaves of Grass | Sample Essay Outlines

Topic #1
Discuss Whitman’s use of imagery and descriptive language in three of his Civil War poems.

Outline
I. Thesis Statement: Whitman’s use of imagery paints vivid pictures of war and death, and his language creates strong emotions within the reader.

II. Cavalry Crossing a Ford
A. Literal meanings of words and images
1. Cavalry rides a “serpentine” course
2. Crossing the “silvery river”
3. Banners waving and flags that “flutter gayly”
B. Emotional connotations
1. Possible...