Reports confirm that the SparkNotes’ analysis of poet Yvonne Gelding’s poem “Gray Skies” seems to be drawn from direct consultation with the poet herself.
The SparkNotes analysis allegedly used phrases such as “Gelding meant to say that. . .” and “Gelding believed. . .” leading readers to believe the analysis was formed out of intimate conversation between scholars with Gelding herself, despite Gelding’s death in 1786 and little documentation about her life.
The anonymous analysis confirmed that Gelding’s childhood heavily influenced the poem’s tone and language. The website’s analysis does not cite any specific sources.
Dr. Angie Bouden, a literary professor at the University, testified that SparkNotes’ analysis of the poem caused students to come to class “dead-set” on certain, ultra-specific interpretations.
Meanwhile, frequent visitors to the SparkNotes’ website reported little issue with the analysis’ uncredited objectivity.
“Look, I know it’s not a perfect website, but the layout of the website is pretty organized, and the analyses seem to know what they’re talking about,” said LSA junior Ronan Graham.
At press time, students were seen studying SparkNotes in preparation for tests offered by professors who have dedicated their careers to studying the historical context and material.
