Annie's Reflection on Literary Analysis 2

• Informal, online, or multimedia sources 
• Exploring these sources helped me to see what kind of influence the poem Deathfugue has had on other artists. Artwork, music, and books can all be traced back in one way or another to this poem. Looking at the works that have come out of it helped me to better develop what I wanted to say in my paper. They helped me to connect some of the dots in my thinking. I incorporated a painting from Anslem Keifer and analysis on the painting into my paper because it strengthened the connections I was making between the literary allusions in the poem and their relation to Germany and each other. I also listened to Paul Celan, the author, read the poem in German on youtube, and it helped me to get a better sense of the cadence of the poem--I could better understand why it was called Death "Fugue."
• Literary Theory 
• I focused on source studies which was first of all, I just enjoyed this approach because the research on the sources I used was really interesting to me. I think that source studies is valuable in examining how literature influences literature, how things can be recycled and rebranded in different time periods. Being able to look at Goethe's Faust through the eyes of the concentration camp prisoner's POV--there was just so much to explore there and I think that it deepened my understanding of the text and what Celan was trying to draw out for readers. I think that it was an easy enough bridge into formal analysis, especially because the two sources where very explicitly juxtaposed with each other in the poem. 
• Writing Process
• I spent a lot of time on the research process. I initially struggled with what I was trying to say and so after class on Monday I went back and rewrote everything I had written up until that point. Something that I realized is really important in my initial drafting stage is getting an outline, or just some kind of organization out on paper. Typing an outline is helpful but it wasn't until I got out a pen and organized myself on paper that everything really came together. I also spent a lot more time in revision and I think that helped me to feel more confident in the final paper I turned in. I enjoyed being accountable to others during this writing process--both to classmates and friends through different stages of my writing. I think that using the social aspect and relying on others to help me polish and work through what I am trying to say is something that I want to continue to work on because I haven't utilized it in the past and it was really helpful this time and I know I can do more with it.