25 pages 50 minutes read

Margaret Walker

Love Song for Alex, 1979

Fiction | Poem | Adult | Published in 1989

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Writing Prompts & Comparative Essay Suggestions

1. What are the three best single-word adjectives you can use to describe the love the speaker has for Alex? In a brief piece of writing, discuss and defend your choices. Select your three describing words and establish them in your introductory sentence or sentences. In supporting sentences, detail your rationale for each adjective, pointing out support from the poem for each. Employ at least two quoted words or phrases with line references in your response.

2. Though “Love Song for Alex, 1979” is not a true sonnet, it shares several characteristics with a sonnet, such as the number of lines and the lyrical style. In a brief piece of writing, discuss the literary device and sonnet characteristic volta with regard to this poem. Briefly review the definition of a volta in your introductory sentence; then discuss the location of the clearest volta in this poem, explaining the ways in which the “turn” is made evident. Include in your discussion evidence and at least two quoted phrases with line references from the poem to support your thoughts.

3. Consider the similarities in topic, tone, and connotation between “Love Song for Alex, 1979” and “When You Come” by Maya Angelou.

https://www.poetryverse.com/maya-angelou-poems/when-you-come

4. What are some ways in which “Love Song for Alex, 1979” and “Witch Wife” by Edna St.