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Poetry Analysis: An Eye for Words
Step 6: Figures of Speech
Step 1: Title Are the following figures of speech included in
Before you even begin reading the poem or the poem?
trying to analyze it, speculate on what you
think the poem might be about based upon Simile (comparison using like or as)
its title. Oftentimes, a poet conceals meaning Metaphor (comparison without using like or as)
and gives clues in the title. Personification (giving inanimate objects human
qualities)
Hyperbole (an overstatement, an exaggeration)
Step 2: Paraphrase or Summarize Irony (a paradox, what the reader expects to
Before analyzing a poem, it is imperative that you happen does not happen)
understand its literal meaning.
When you paraphrase, write in your own words
exactly what happens in the poem. Look at the Step 7: Sound and Musical Devices
number of lines in the poem—your paraphrase Are the following sound devices included in the
should have exactly the same number. poem?
When you summarize, write three or four sentences Alliteration (repetition of beginning consonants)
that sum up what is happening in the poem. Be sure Assonance (repetition of vowel sounds with
to include all of the main points of the poem from its different consonants)
beginning, middle, and end. Consonance (repetition of consonant sounds at
the middle or end of words)
Rhyme Scheme (rhyming pattern from the end
Step 3: Speaker of each line)
Identify the poem’s speaker. Onomatopoeia (words make their own sound)
Step 4: Diction Step 8: Rhythm and Meter
Denotation: the dictionary definition of a word Is there a set pattern to the stressed
Connotation: a feeling or idea suggested by a word (and unstressed syllables?
or phrase
Also, pay attention to variations in font size and the Is it free verse?
chosen placement for words.
Step 9: Structure
Step 5: Imagery Number of stanzas?
Are there images that appeal
to the following senses? Consistent size or shape of stanzas?
Visual (sight) Use of capitalization?
Auditory (sound)
Tactile (touch) Shaped poem?
Olfactory (smell)
Gustatory (taste)
Step 10: Additional aspects
What literal images are there? Are there any allusions (references to
Figurative images? other works of literature or historical
events?)
Is repetition used for an effect?
Is there a refrain? Are there any symbols?
