VCCS Litonline

Here is an analysis of the essay's consideration of--

Major Drawbacks to the Poem

contributed by Chrissie Schaeffer, August, 2004

About the writer's review of major flaws in the poem 

Is It OK to Comment on Flaws of a Literary Work?

Response to the Question.

 I believe that the writer has provided an excellent review of the poem’s exceptional qualities.  However, to be viewed as an unbiased reviewer, she must also provide information about the work’s shortcomings.  As pointed out in the commentary, this section helps a teacher to prepare students to read this poem. A teacher can instruct students to not be deceived by simple words and pictures illustrated in the poem; but rather look deeper into the meaning behind those simple words and pictures.  What are the metaphors and similes in the work?  I think the writer expresses this necessity very well in this section. 

If the writer has clearly identified good portions of the work that demonstrate an understanding of the literary piece, I believe that it is okay to comment on a work’s flaws and shortcomings.  This writer has demonstrated a grasp of the poem’s meaning in previous paragraphs and therefore can intelligently define the flaws of the work. 

This section of the writer’s review is invaluable to a teacher who is preparing a course structure or syllabus.  I believe that it is important to get input and feedback from students on course work and structure.  What interests them?  What does not?  There are some literary works that must be reviewed in the course of college compositional education and there are other lesser-known works that may be missed if not for valuable feedback from current or future students.

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