The essay assignment for this week is to compose an essay of at least 750 words in which you offer your interpretation of a literary element (such as theme, imagery, symbolism, or characterization) in one of the assigned poems. You may choose any poem from our reading list. If you wish, you may base your paper on the analysis you began in this week’s discussion. Tips for the Essay 1. Open your introduction with an engaging opener, such as a question, quote from the poem, or interesting idea. Then, connect to the poem and mention the title and the author. End your introduction with a thesis statement that interprets one literary element of the poem (such as theme, imagery, symbolism, or characterization). 2. The body paragraphs should support your thesis. Present specific aspects of the poem that help to illustrate your points. Make sure to quote from the poem and analyze specific lines that support your argument. Typically, body paragraphs will contain at least two short quotations each as supporting evidence. 3. Include a strong concluding paragraph that summarizes your main points and explains the significance of the thesis. Finish this paragraph with a strong and satisfying ending. Martin Espada -1957 My Father is a Guitar The cardiologist prescribed a new medication and lectured my father that he had to stop working. And my father said: I can't. The landlord won't let me. The heart pills are dice in my father's hand, gambler who needs cash by the first of the month. On the night his mother died in faraway Puerto Rico, my father lurched upright in bed, heart hammering like the fist of a man at the door with an eviction notice. Minutes later, the telephone sputtered with news of the dead. Sometimes I dream my father is a guitar, with a hole in his chest where the music throbs between my fingers. .

1. The essay assignment for this week is to compose an essay of at
least 750 words in which you offer your interpretation of a
literary element (such as theme, imagery, symbolism, or
characterization) in one of the assigned poems. You may choose
any poem from our reading list. If you wish, you may base your
paper on the analysis you began in this week’s discussion.
Tips for the Essay
1. Open your introduction with an engaging opener, such as a
question, quote from the poem, or interesting idea. Then,
connect to the poem and mention the title and the author. End
your introduction with a thesis statement that interprets one
literary element of the poem (such as theme, imagery,
symbolism, or characterization).
2. The body paragraphs should support your thesis. Present
specific aspects of the poem that help to illustrate your points.
Make sure to quote from the poem and analyze specific lines
that support your argument. Typically, body paragraphs will
contain at least two short quotations each as supporting
evidence.
3. Include a strong concluding paragraph that summarizes your
main points and explains the significance of the thesis. Finish
this paragraph with a strong and satisfying ending.
Martin Espada -1957
My Father is a Guitar
The cardiologist prescribed
a new medication
and lectured my father
that he had to stop working.
And my father said: I can't.
The landlord won't let me.

2. The heart pills are dice
in my father's hand,
gambler who needs cash
by the first of the month.
On the night his mother died
in faraway Puerto Rico,
my father lurched upright in bed,
heart hammering
like the fist of a man at the door
with an eviction notice.
Minutes later,
the telephone sputtered
with news of the dead.
Sometimes I dream
my father is a guitar,
with a hole in his chest
where the music throbs
between my fingers.