Discussion Board 4: “The Idea of Order at Key West”
Use the definition and example essay format to respond to the discussion board. Watch the video example of the essay format and make sure you understand the format.
Discussion Forum Tasks:
Read “The Idea of Order at Key West” (1923) and write an essay to address the Discussion Focus.
Discussion Focus:
“The Idea of Order at Key West” (1923)
By Wallace Stevens
Written in 1934, “The Idea of Order at Key West” remains one of the most difficult poems by one of America’s most difficult poets. Yet, it stands as one of Stevens’ most anthologized poems, and according to most critics of his work, it is one of his best. Stevens must have liked it as well, as he made it the title poem in his 1936 collection, Ideas of Order. As widely praised as the poem is, no authoritative reading has emerged. Indeed, there are as many different interpretations of the poem as there are readers of it. Hence, define what you interpret as “Order” in Key West. Use the definition essay to format your focus.Use quotations and examples from the poem to clarify and support your claim.
