Synthesis of “Coming to America” poems
By Monday, October 22nd, you are to complete a response that synthesizes the major themes of the poems on coming to America on pages 75-78. This assignment is based on the Springboard prompt on page 80.
Consider the three poems you have read - “Ellis Island,” “On Being Brought from Africa to America,” and “Europe and America” - and the connections between the speakers and how they present their experiences. Write a multi-paragraph response in which you use the poems to identify and analyze a common theme connecting the speakers’ experiences. What contradictions between their experiences and the American Dream do the writer’s present, and how do they resolve the conflict they face - if at all? How are those responses to that contradiction similar or different? In your response, be sure to:
Include a thesis that connects the experiences of all three poems, and the speakers’ responses to those experiences.
Provide direct quotations and specific examples from all three poems to support each claim you make. Introduce points and a concluding statement that reference your thesis.
Use a variety of sentence beginnings.
*A well-written response will likely require at least 4 paragraphs*
Goal is to demonstrate an understanding of synthesis, using multiple sources and direct quotes to arrive a conclusion supported by all sources.
Exemplary Work will include a clear thesis, direction quotations, and thoughtful analysis.