I need to write a mini research paper on a modernist poet of my choice... I'm having trouble deciding on what poet to use and how i can develop a strong thesis.. any help would be much appreciated.

First of all, here are a couple of websites that are very good for helping students through research papers (process, etc.):

http://www.ipl.org/div/aplus/
Click on Step by Step for the process.

(Broken Link Removed) (If you are using something other than MLA guidelines, let us know.)

Now, what era do you consider "modernist"? What years in which country's literature?

1890-1950 American

MLA Format

Try these sites:

http://famouspoetsandpoems.com/country/America/American_poets.html

http://www.npg.si.edu/exh/rebels/index2.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1950_in_poetry

Personally, I find these poets the most interesting:

Langston Hughes
Carl Sandburg
W. H. Auden
William Carlos Williams

Once you have chosen the poet you want to concentrate on, here are some good sites to find their work:

http://www.poemhunter.com/

And Edgar Allan Poe's work is fascinating, too:
http://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1GGGE_enUS379US379&aq=1&oq=edgar+al&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=edgar+allan+poe+poems

When choosing a modernist poet for your mini research paper, it's important to consider your personal interests and the availability of resources. Here are a few steps you can take to help you make a decision and develop a strong thesis:

1. Explore different modernist poets: Start by researching various modernist poets and their works. Look for poets who align with your interests or whose themes resonate with you. Consider poets like T.S. Eliot, Ezra Pound, Wallace Stevens, Langston Hughes, or Virginia Woolf, among many others.

2. Read sample poems and reviews: Read a few sample poems by different modernist poets and check out critical reviews or scholarly articles about their work. This will give you a better understanding of their writing style, themes, and contributions to modernist literature.

3. Assess the availability of resources: While choosing a poet, it's essential to consider the availability of scholarly resources such as books, journals, or online articles. Having easy access to quality sources will help you gather information and support your thesis effectively.

4. Consider the poet's influence: Look into the impact and influence of your chosen poet within the modernist movement. Determine whether their work challenged the traditional literary conventions of their time, represented a particular cultural or historical period, or brought about significant changes to poetic forms or techniques.

5. Brainstorm potential thesis statements: As you conduct your research, jot down ideas for potential thesis statements related to your chosen poet. Consider focusing on a specific aspect of their work, such as their experimentation with language, engagement with social or political issues, exploration of identity, or use of symbolism. Ensure that your thesis is specific, arguable, and supported by evidence.

Remember, it's crucial to choose a poet you are passionate about and interested in delving deeper into. This will make your research journey more enjoyable and motivate you to develop a strong thesis.