Poetry Essay

Thesis: In Psalm 23 (NLT), the author, David, uses key elements, including theme, diction, and narration, to persuade the reader of God’s infinite and gracious love for them. A love that is unwavering and is with them even in their darkest day.

Outline:

1. Introduction: State thesis and quote the poem and who the author is.
2. Theme: The main idea or belief the author (David) is trying to portray

1. Believers can find comfort in knowing God is there through thick and thin

1. Verse 1 “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.”

1. God provides protection against evil

1. Verse 4 “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”

1. Diction: the author’s choice and use of words

1. Positive words that brings comfort—fatherly figure

1. Peace, strength, protect, comfort, goodness, love, rest, guide

1. Excerpts from chapter

1. Verse 2 “He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength”

1. Narration: not from the David’s point of view

1. Multiple uses of “you” and “I”

1. “You”—Indicates that the poem is speaking directly to God as if it was a personal, face-to-face situation
2. “I “and “me”—When audience reads the poem, it is as if they are reading as themselves (first person) instead of from the author’s point of view
3. Verse 4 “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”

1. Conclusion: Restate thesis including how these elements of a good story help connect to the reader.