'Rain'
A teacher asked Paul
what he would remember
from third grade, and he sat
a long time before writing
"this year somebody tutched me
on the sholder"
and turned his paper in.
Later she showed it to me
as an example of her wasted life.
The words he wrote were large
as houses in a landscape.
He wanted to go inside them
and live, he could fill in
the windows of "o" and "d"
and be safe while outside
birds building nests in drainpipes
knew nothing of the coming rain.
-- Naomi Shihab Nye
I'm taking a college English class and we have a research assignment this semester. My research paper is to be a new historicist piece over "Rain" by Naomi Shihab Nye. Some of the topics I've been researching so far are child abuse, [parental] touch deprivation, and child neglect. I feel I'm getting more and more lost as time goes on and would be extremely grateful for any sort of assistance of any kind (annotations, topic recommendations, ect) any of you may offer.
I think you've "bitten off" more than you need! Simply researching child neglect, even unintentional neglect, is a huge topic, in which the lack of human touch can be included. I don't see child abuse in this poem, but neglect, yes.
Try focusing your research more closely, and you won't find yourself becoming so lost.
Let us know what you think.
=)
I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling lost with your research assignment. Research papers can sometimes be overwhelming, but I'm here to assist you. Let's break down your research process and suggest some steps to help you gather the information you need for your new historicist piece on "Rain" by Naomi Shihab Nye.
1. Understand the Poem: Begin by thoroughly analyzing the poem "Rain" to gain a clear understanding of its themes, symbols, and imagery. Pay attention to the emotions conveyed and the narrative it presents. Take notes on any specific lines or phrases that stand out to you.
2. Historical Context: Research the time period and cultural background in which the poem was written. This will help you provide historical context to your analysis. Consider factors such as political climate, social issues, and cultural events that might have influenced the author's perspective.
3. Author's Background: Look into Naomi Shihab Nye's biography to understand her personal experiences, influences, and writing style. This information can provide insights into her motivations for writing "Rain" and add depth to your analysis.
4. Child Abuse and Parental Touch Deprivation: Since you've been researching child abuse and parental touch deprivation, identify specific instances or references in the poem that relate to these topics. Use these references as evidence to support your analysis. You can explore the effects of such abuse or deprivation on a child's emotional well-being and relate it to the themes in the poem.
5. Literary Techniques: Analyze the use of literary techniques employed by Nye in the poem, such as symbolism, metaphors, and imagery. Explore how these techniques contribute to the overall meaning and themes of the poem. Consider how specific phrases or images evoke emotions related to your research topics.
6. Analyze Other Works: Expand your research beyond the poem itself. Look for interviews, essays, or critical analyses of Nye's works, particularly "Rain." This will help you understand the poem's reception and its connections to broader literary and cultural movements.
7. Compile and Organize: As you gather information, keep thorough notes and organize your findings according to the themes and topics you plan to discuss in your research paper. This will make it easier to structure your arguments and support them with evidence.
8. Seek Guidance: If you're still feeling stuck after following these steps, consider reaching out to your professor or classmates for guidance. They can offer valuable insights and suggestions, and may be able to recommend additional sources or perspectives that can strengthen your research.
Remember that research is an iterative process, and it's normal to feel overwhelmed at times. Take breaks when needed and approach the assignment with a clear plan. Good luck with your research paper!