My english teacher is having us make anthologies based upon a topic of our choice (consisting of poems, short stories and novels). I've hit the minimum requirements for two but i still need poems. The only real requirement for the works is that they have to be by an accomplished writer, not someone just found online. I have picked temptation for my topic and I dont really know how to go about looking for poems about it, and I cant think of any good ones.(its too late to change so dont suggest it.) Anyhow if you could give me any suggestions as to how to find this information or suggestions for what poems (or short stories or novels) that I can use it would be greatly appriciated! Thanks a million!
One of my all time favourite poems fits nicely into this categorisation. The poem is titled, 'This is Just To Say'; written by William Carlos Williams in 1934.
it goes...
I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox
and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast
Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold
How about Christina Rossetti's "Goblin Market" - it's on this site in the Classical Poet List -
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You can find lots of information on this poem by doing a google.com search, for example:
"Christina Rossetti’s "Goblin Market" marked the first literary success of the Pre-Raphaelites. This free verse poem draws a fine line between fairy tale and reality. Many critics note that Lizzie, resembles a "transfigured Christ who redeems her sister by sacrificing herself" (22). Although the main theme of the poem is temptation, symbolism throughout the poem creates images of sin, sensual pleasure, the corruption of evil, and the affection for loved ones. Lizzie is portrayed as an "epic heroine." Many argue that it was Laura’s lack of resistance toward the goblins that allowed Lizzie to be a victim. This can also be argued because it is clear that it was Lizzie’s compassion that allowed her to risk herself for her sister. Symbolism of sexual suggestiveness is evident throughout Laura’s temptation. Portraying Lizzie as a "Christ-like healer" can dismiss this idea of temptation and replace it with individual heroism. Lizzie’s willingness to risk her own life in order to save her sister replaces fairy tale with reality."
Drake, David B. "Rossetti’s 'Goblin Market.'" The Explicator 51.5 (1992-93): 22-24
Here are a couple of results from the poetry list here.
Robert Louis Stevenson
You Looked So Tempting In The Pew
William Butler Yeats
All Things Can Tempt Me
Click on 'Classical Poet List' and the authors are alphabetical.
You might also go to
pam
Here's to Thy Health by Robert Burns gives a good example of assonance. Lewis Carrol's work is a good place to look for alliteration and assonance.
Les
If you want some really old stuff, there's Faust, and two bits of the bible - Adam & Eve's temptation by the serpent (Satan) and Christ's temptation by Satan in the wilderness. There's a neat, short poem by Housman on the former, but it probably won't fit your brief very well:
When Adam Day by Day by A E Housman
When Adam day by day
Woke up in Paradise
He always used to say
'Oh, this is very nice'
But Eve from scenes of bliss
Tansported him for life
The more I think of this
The more I beat my wife.
As far as novels go, how about "The Last Temptation of Christ" by Nikos Kazantzakis?
hi, try William Blake's "My Pretty Rose Tree." Its about this man who was being tempted by someone really beautiful but because his love for his lady was so strong he resisted. As a result, his lady becomes insecure and jealous and rejects him. It shows the downside of love, (the thorns).
here's the poem:
My Pretty ROSE TREE
A flower was offerd to me;
Such a flower as May never bore.
But I said I've a Pretty Rose-tree:
And I passed the sweet flower o'er.
Then I went to my Pretty Rose-tree;
To tend her by day and by night.
But my Rose turnd away with jealousy:
And her thorns were my only delight.
hope this helps