How To Analyse A Poem

Question 1

1. Title

Answer 1

• Could give main idea or theme of a poem
• Could be direct or ambiguous for some reason
• Study the poem and then look back at the title for deeper meaning

Question 2

2. Speaker/narrator

Answer 2

Be able to differentiate between:
- speaker (1st person)
- narrator (3rd person)
- poet
They may be the same or they may be different

Question 3

3. Structure

Answer 3

The poet has made conscious choices on how to structure the poem
Look at:
- how many stanzas
- organisation of the lines
- repetition or varying lengths of lines
- varying lengths of stanzas
- enjambment

Question 4

4. Rhyme

Answer 4

Is there are a rhyme scheme? Why/why not? Connect rhyme scheme to the theme/topic/tone of the poem

Question 5

5. Techniques

Answer 5

Look for:
- easily identifiable techniques
- repetition of techniques
- do the techniques create a mood that suits the subject matter

Question 6

6. Tone

Answer 6

What is the overall tone of the poem?
is it genuine, emotive, sarcastic etc
Read between the lines - there may be alternative interpretations

Question 7

7. Subject matter and theme

Answer 7

Consider why the poet has drawn on particular subject matter to illustrate an idea or develop the theme