Tutorial on How to Analyze a Poem | ||
Back The Steps Examples Try on Own |
Step One - Have the ability to read through the poem at least twice to get a feel on how the words are presented to you. Just so you can be able to get a different approach on the meaning. Step Two - Dont forget to take the title into consideration. Is there another meaning to the title? Does it get you ready for the description? Or does it hide the truth for the reader to figure out? Maybe there is a clue for an understanding of the piece. Step Three - Don't panic when you come across unfamiliar words. Just read through the poem and look for the bigger meaning. Don't stress on it. If you truly can not figure it out, get an understanding on that section, or grab a dictionary. Step Four - You must read aloud. Is this neccessary? Yes. Why? When you read to yourself you may have trouble on parts. Although, when read aloud, you may gain a better look on the poem. You will soon feel comfortable doing this. Just read the poem in your normal voice. Don't bring your highs and lows. (Unless needed) Step Five - PAY ATTENTION TO PUNCTUATION! Most poems use punctuation to help guide the reader's voice. You have to pay attention because possibly, the end of the line, may not just be, the end of the line. Step Six - Try to paraphrase. Refrain from using fancy words. Put the poem into your own words to better understand the meaning. As you work through it, you may see that there are some areas where you may need to concentrate on. Aviod the notion that there is one true meaning. The poem may mean alot. Step Seven - Remember to not confuse the poet with the speaker of the poem. It is often, that the speaker is like a character in a novel. Don't confuse the two. Step Eight - Be open to much interpretation. Being open to the poet's intentinos may lead you to think of plenty of important questions and interestnig ideas. For example, "What is so important to life?" or "IF love is supposed to be good, why does it hurt so much?" Step Nine - There are NO useless words. Every word has a different value of point. Poets select each word very carefully. None should be dismissed. Images and symbols are very important in this case. They all have a meaning. Step Ten - Finally, many poems are intentionally open-ended. They usually refuse to resolve their intentions. While it is desirable to understand the poem, or what it is saying, there are other approaches other than your own. |