Reflection

 

I improved my essay on the poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay" from freshman year by elevating the writing, vocabulary, analysis, and grammar to exemplify the refined skills I possess as a graduating senior.  My rewritten essay indicates a better understanding of literary devices, especially syntactical, sound, and structural devices, which a poet uses to develop purpose.  Whereas during my freshman year, I did not know about caesura, meter, and structure, I now understand not only what these devices are, but also how they help convey an author's purpose.  I eliminated the passive voice in my freshman essay and wrote in active voice, showing more clarity and effectiveness in my writers' voice.  I also added more comprehensive literary analysis to demonstrate my improved critical thinking skills, notably by including not only the "what", but also the "how" and the "why."  Moreover, I believe that my rewritten essay demonstrates a better understanding of conventional writing and rhetorical analysis skills.