Critical Analysis Essay-Alice Walker
Kelly Johnson
English 82 (8002)
Professor Jones
18 April 2012
Critical Analysis Final Draft Essay
Alice Walker an African American novelist was born February 9, 1944 in Eatonton, Georgia as an eighth child. In 1961 Ms.Walker attended Spellman College, where she became active in civil rights. She then attended Sarah Lawrence College where she received her B.A degree. Walkers writing career began in 1969 at Jackson State College as a writer-in- residence, in that same year her first novel The Third Life of Grange Copeland was completed. Alice has written and published several poems, short fiction, essays and Novels. One of her most famous novels Color Purple was responsible for her becoming the first African American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize and National book award.
After much research I choose two poem selections by this author, ”Don’t be like those who ask for everything” and “When you Thought me Poor”. Don’t be like those who ask for everything speaks about not wanting to be liked because of riches and being used because of success. In line five the author expresses that she would rather be aquainted by others who recognize that she is just as hard working as them thus they will be more understanding and respective of her struggle rather than one who is just looking to befriend for material things. I feel the Author would more appreciate a person with genuine personality rather than a generic. I believe the Author has proven her point based on the main idea of the poem which to me would be to bond with one by recognizing my struggles to achieve the success instead of basking in glory you didn’t earn and are trying to use as
English 82 (8002)
Professor Jones
18 April 2012
Critical Analysis Final Draft Essay
Alice Walker an African American novelist was born February 9, 1944 in Eatonton, Georgia as an eighth child. In 1961 Ms.Walker attended Spellman College, where she became active in civil rights. She then attended Sarah Lawrence College where she received her B.A degree. Walkers writing career began in 1969 at Jackson State College as a writer-in- residence, in that same year her first novel The Third Life of Grange Copeland was completed. Alice has written and published several poems, short fiction, essays and Novels. One of her most famous novels Color Purple was responsible for her becoming the first African American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize and National book award.
After much research I choose two poem selections by this author, ”Don’t be like those who ask for everything” and “When you Thought me Poor”. Don’t be like those who ask for everything speaks about not wanting to be liked because of riches and being used because of success. In line five the author expresses that she would rather be aquainted by others who recognize that she is just as hard working as them thus they will be more understanding and respective of her struggle rather than one who is just looking to befriend for material things. I feel the Author would more appreciate a person with genuine personality rather than a generic. I believe the Author has proven her point based on the main idea of the poem which to me would be to bond with one by recognizing my struggles to achieve the success instead of basking in glory you didn’t earn and are trying to use as
Cited: New Georgia Encyclopedia, Qiana Whitted, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-998 Biography True Story http://www.biography.com/people/alice-walker-9521939 Poems http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/don-t-be-like-those-who-ask-for-everything/ http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/when-you-thought-me-poor/