Based on the poetry we’ve read so far (assigned readings from 8/31 to 9/21), choose one of the two quotes below that in your opinion best represents the spirit and the essence of these poems.

Based on the poetry we’ve read so far (assigned readings from 8/31 to 9/21), choose one of the two quotes below that in your opinion best represents the spirit and the essence of these poems.
In your essay, describe the reasons for your choice and illustrate them by citing from the poems, elaborating on their themes and the context in which they were created, the issues they respond to, and when pertinent, the writers’ background.
This essay reflects a personal perspective, and the use of first-person-singular (“I”) in your writing is allowed.
QUOTE #1:
“Poetry is the form we turn to instinctively at moments of intensity, whether it be to celebrate or to grieve. Why?…
Because of its link with our strongest emotions. Because of its power to console. Because of its separation (to whatever degree) from ordinary speech, which creates a sense of occasion. Because of its implicit demand to remember.”
(Andrew Motion in Elaine Showalter’s Teaching Literature, Blackwell 2003. p.63)
QUOTE #2:
“What’s poetry’s role in protest politics?
Should poets be leading the charge in rousing metres, or reflecting thoughtfully on the sidelines?
At times of upheaval and unrest, is poetry’s role to fan the flames or cool tempers?”
(Adam O’Riordan, The Guardian/ Wed 15 Dec 2010)
Requirements:
5 typed pages, (or 1250 words) double spaced, spell checked & numbered.
In Word rather than Adobe PDF.
Your name in the Header.
When quoting from a poem, put the citation between quotation marks, and the poem’s title and author’s name in parenthesis (i.e.: Grief/Siamanto)

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