Sunday, March 28, 2010

How to Read a Poem
Since we have been reading poetry in class, I thought it would be handy to pass along some information on how to read a poem. I received this article in my Literary Criticism class and so far it has helped me better understand poetry. Hope this helps with those that are having trouble.

  • Look at the poem's title: What might this poem be about?
  • Read the poem straight through without stopping to analyze it. This will help you get a sense of how it sounds, how it works, what it might be about.
  • Start with what you know: If the poem is difficult, distinguish between what you do and do not understand. Underline the parts you do not immediately understand.
  • Check for understanding: Write a quick "first impression" of the poem by answering questions, "What do you notice about this poem so far?" and "What is this poem about?"
  • Look for patterns: Watch for repeated, interesting, or even unfamiliar use of language, imagery, sound, color, or arrangement. Ask, "What is the poet trying to show through this pattern?"
  • Look for changes: Tone, focus, narrator, structure, voice, patterns. Ask: "What has changed and what does the change mean?"
  • Identify the narrator: Ask: "Who is speaking in the poem?" "What do you know about them?"
  • Check for new understanding: Re-read the poem (aloud if you can) from start to finish, underlining (again) those portions you do not yet understand. Explain the poem to yourself or someone else.
  • Find the crucial moments: The pivotal moment might be as small as the word but or yet. Such words often act like hinges within a poem to swing the poem in a whole new direction. Also pay attention to breaks between stanzas or between lines.
  • Consider form and function: Now is a good time to look at some of the poet's more critical choices. Did the poet use a specific form, such as the sonnet? Examples might include: alliteration, symbols, metaphors, or allusions. Other examples might include unusual use of capitalization, punctuation (or lack of any).

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