5.2: Creative Imitation Assignment

Instructions:

1. Choose a Text: Select one of the texts we have studied.
2. Analyze the Style: Identify key characteristics and techniques used by the author. Consider elements such as language, tone, structure, themes, and literary devices.
3. Modern-Day Content: Write a piece that addresses a contemporary issue or scenario but in the style of the chosen text. Your piece should reflect the same genre characteristics and techniques.
4. Length: Your submission should be between 500-1500 words.
5. Title and Formatting: Give your piece a creative title that reflects both the modern content and the original style. Be sure to follow MLA formatting guidelines.
6. Explanation: Write up a 200-250 word explanation of how you feel that your creative piece adheres to the key characteristics of the type of text or author that you are imitating.

Breaking Down the Characteristics:

This is an assignment where you can use a generative AI as a tool to help you figure out the characteristics of a particular text or author. I asked Microsoft Copilot to help figure out the key characteristics and techniques for the following texts and/or authors and received these responses. You could do the same thing for any of the texts/authors that we have read. That way, you will have a better idea of what you might focus on as you write your imitation. 

Please keep in mind that, as per the AI policy for this class, you cannot use the AI to write for you. You must do your own writing. However, you can use the AI to gather information or ask for feedback as long as it is not writing or rewriting any of your sentences. Think of the AI Chatbot as a writing coach that you can ask questions and interact with as you engage in the writing process. If at any point you are uncertain about how to use it and stay within the guidelines of the AI policy for this class, please feel free to ask me 

• Poetry of Aemilia Lanyer
  • Language: Rich and descriptive, often with religious and classical references.
  • Tone: Assertive and empowering.
  • Structure: Traditional poetic forms, such as sonnets.
  • Themes: Feminism, religion, and social justice.
  • Literary Devices: Allusion, metaphor, and personification.
• Paradise Lost
  • Language: Elevated and epic, with a grandiose style.
  • Tone: Serious and somber.
  • Structure: Blank verse (unrhymed iambic pentameter).
  • Themes: Fall of man, free will, and redemption.
  • Literary Devices: Epic similes, allusions, and symbolism.
• Gulliver’s Travels
  • Language: Satirical and straightforward, with a focus on irony.
  • Tone: Humorous and critical.
  • Structure: Travel narrative with episodic adventures.
  • Themes: Human nature, society, and politics.
  • Literary Devices: Satire, irony, and hyperbole.

Submission Requirements:

• Format: MLA format–Typed, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font.
• Submission Method: Please submit on Canvas by 11:59 PM on the due date.

Assessment Criteria (150 Points):

• Understanding of Genre (30 Points): Creative Imitation demonstrates a clear grasp of the characteristics and techniques of the chosen text.
• Creativity (25 Points): Effectively adapts the style to modern-day content.
• Clarity and Coherence (25 Points): Presents ideas in a clear, organized, and engaging manner.
• Language and Mechanics (15 Points): Uses appropriate language, grammar, and punctuation.
• Title and Formatting (5 Points): Creative and fitting title, Adheres to formatting guidelines
• Explanation (50 points): Explanation clearly connects the creative imitation to the characteristics of the type of text or author being imitated.

Attribution

This assignment was developed in collaboration with Microsoft Copilot, an AI writing assistant. The author, Kelsey Ford, provided all source material, context, and editorial direction. AI assistance was used for drafting and organization only. All content has been reviewed for accuracy.