The poetry analysis worksheet represents your brainstorm for this essay. Please post the poetry analysis worksheet and the rough draft of your essay

Poetry Analysis Worksheet A step-by-step guide to reading and understanding poetry

1. Title If there is a title – does it define the subject matter of the poem’s focus?

2. First Reading

·  Read the poem silently to gain a first impression.

·  What is the narrative in the poem (what is happening?)

·  Make some notes on your first impressions.

3. Re-Reading

·  Read the poem again – carefully, analytically and out loud.

·  Take note of punctuation; notice images that stand out; listen to the rhyming pattern and the rhythm of the words

4. Meaning

Identify the obvious meaning and then look for implied meaning (s). What do you think the poet is trying to say?

5. Consolidation – Putting it all together Read the poem again to consolidate your appreciation of its meaning.

6. Theme/s Identify the main theme of the poem.

7. Analysis

·  Are there poetic techniques such as: similes; metaphors; alliteration; personification; onomatopoeia; assonance?

·  Other structures such as: repetition; tenses; different voices; different themes in stanzas.

·  Use of vocabulary and language? (Find the meaning of words you are not familiar with)

·  Listen to the tone of the poem. What is it? Does it change?

·  What is the poet’s message or intention in writing this poem?

8 Interpretation

What issues are raised about society/relationships or life?

Now use the above notes and information to write an analytical essay about the poem/s you have been analysing.