How to Analyze Poetry

Poetry is a way of expression. It is a language of its own. This language is one that is open to interpretation, and it is one of the best things about poetry. Although the author might have a specific idea that he or she is trying to convey, you, as the reader can also interpret the poem based on your own experience and understanding. You can take it for its figurative meaning or for its literal meaning. Some of the things I often use to help me analyze poetry are the following:

• Read and understand the Title.
• Figure out who the speaker is.
• Think about all of the literary techniques, and elements such as characterization, metaphor, simile, and alliteration among others,  that might help you better understand what the author is trying to say.
• Keep important literary concepts in mind.
• Think about the imagery in the poem; try to draw a picture in your head of what the poem is describing.
• Even though it might be difficult, try to make the poem relative to you. This will help you relate to the theme or topic of the poem and help you get a better grasp of what you are reading.
• Always keep in mind, the action that is taking place as well as the mood of the poem (dark, gloom, happy, joyful).
• Go back to the title and try to think of what in the poem gave the title its meaning.
• Lastly, read the poem as often as you have to until you are confident that you have fully understood the concept of the poem.

Literary Concepts

Speaker-  is the narrative voice in the poem.

Sound- alliteration, consonance, assonance.

Rhythm- is the pattern that is created by the author through the arrangement of stressed and unstressed syllables.

Images- pictures that are described and painted through the poem.

Figurative Language- simile, metaphors, and personification.