I have asked you to print out both of these pieces of literature to use as a reference for your paper. If you have not done so yet, go back now and print them!
In Walt Whitman's poem, "Song of Myself," Whitman speaks of the various ways he uses to express his identity. In James Baldwin's "Sonny's Blues," Baldwin's narrator speaks of how his brother, Sonny, expresses himself through music. Explain how these two different authors write about expressing one's identity in his own unique way. Keep in mind, you have your copies of the excerpt from Baldwin's story and Whitman's poem to refer to as you write. Use specific examples from each text to support your ideas.
Some aspects to keep in mind during your essay are:
Examine how the author uses literary techniques such as figurative language and symbolism.
Be sure your essay is coherent - will the reader be able to understand what you are trying to say?
Convey your ideas using clear language.
Keep in mind the conventions of standard written English.
