Students Teaching English Paper Strategies
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"Harlem" by Langston Hughes
Analyzed by Mary Grzenia

Online version of "Harlem"
 
  • Reading
  • Inventing
  • Planning
  • Drafting
  • Peer Review
  • Revising/Finalizing
  • Reading

    The first time I sat down to close-read and annotate "Harlem," I used a green pen,
    circling words I wanted to look up in the dictionary and connecting patterns of
    simile and diction. The next day when I analyzed the text, I used a purple pen
    to distinguish between my initial thoughts and ideas and the more fully
    developed observations of a second reading.

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    Inventing

    This page of my journal was dedicated to inventing. As I read "Harlem," I looked up
    words in the dictionary. Although the words and their definitions are simple, I
    wanted to better understand their various connotations and denotations. Here is
    list of definitions I found.

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    This page of my journal contains a few more definitions and several interpretive
    questions. As I read the poem another 3-4 times, I began to see certain
    patterns. Asking these interpretive questions helped me connect those patterns
    and determine a theme.

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    Having asked several interpretive questions, I jotted down a couple different themes.
    But I wanted to know more: how were those themes developed? What devices
    illustrated "deflation"? Did the poem address "aggravation" as well? I also
    wanted to know what kinds of dreams Hughes was talking about. Although I didn't
    address this concept in my final essay, I believe asking that question helped me
    develop a more general focus for my paper. At the bottom of the page I wrote out
    a basic working thesis.

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    Planning

    With a working thesis in mind, I began to map out a plan for my paper. I wrote my
    working thesis statement at the top of the page and then began outlining my
    introduction, body, and conclusion. For each section of the paper's outline, I
    added commentary and quotes. This outline is the definition of organized chaos!
    I wrote in the margin, added words in parentheses, crossed out misspelled words,
    and incorporated dictionary definitions. Nevertheless, putting my thoughts on
    paper in a semi-organized way proved to be an invaluable step by the time I sat
    down to write my first draft.

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    Drafting

    Satisfied with my preliminary outline, I spent the following afternoon writing my first draft.  I typically hand write my first drafts, but this time I typed it.  During this first attempt at writing the essay, I inserted comments and reminders to myself in the Word document using the "Comments" and "Track Changes" features.  When I went back to write my second draft, I used those comments and notes to elaborate on incomplete concepts.  You can view a PDF version of my rough draft below.
    Sample Rough Draft for "Harlem"
     

    Peer Review

    Leanna Waldron filled out this peer review sheet for me after she read through my first draft.
    I used her suggestions and advice when I wrote my second draft.

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     Leanna's peer review copy of my first draft with commentary and suggestions.

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    Professor Rob Hale's peer review copy of my first draft with commentary and feedback.

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    Revising/Finalizing

    I revised my essay three times in total.  I made the most changes and revisions in the second draft, and corrected/clarified nitpicky aspects in my third and fourth drafts.  In addition, I modified my thesis statement three times. The final version is clear and concise; the body of the paper thoroughly analyzes the theme and devices it states.

    Evolution of Themes and Thesis Statements

    Sample Essay for "Harlem" Draft 2

     Sample Essay for "Harlem" Draft 3

    Sample Essay for "Harlem" Draft 4


    First Draft with Commentary
    Final Draft with Commentary
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