Poetry Analysis Techniques

Flashcards based on lecture notes about poetry analysis.

Argue/Disagree OR Defend/Agree

To take a stance, either in opposition to or in support of, the viewpoint or central idea presented by the author, providing well-reasoned justifications.

Summarize

To concisely recap the poem's essence in your own words, pinpointing the central ideas and condensing the narrative or argument.

Identify the Speaker

To discern the narrative voice within the poem, detailing their characteristics and perspective, while differentiating them from the poet's personal voice.

Find the Imagery

To locate vivid instances of sensory language that appeal to sight, sound, touch, taste, or smell, and to articulate their contribution to the poem's effect.

Understand the Shift

To recognize pivotal changes in tone, perspective, or subject matter within the poem, and to elucidate their significance in the poem's development.

Tone and Mood

To precisely determine the author's attitude (tone) and the emotional atmosphere (mood) of the poem, substantiating these identifications with textual evidence.

Find the Figurative Language

To identify instances of non-literal language, such as metaphors, similes, or personification, and to interpret their enriching effect on the poem's meaning.

Explicate/Analyze

To thoroughly unpack the poem's content, structure, and use of figurative language, revealing the intricate layers of meaning and craftsmanship.

Interpret

To offer insights into the poem's overarching emotional impact, considering the interplay of imagery, sound devices, thematic elements