How to Analyze a Poem

There are 9 important questions to answer when analyzing a poem.  Each of these will help the reader better understand the meaning and background of the piece.

1. Define the situation

• Who is the speaker?  Male/female?  Young/old?
• What are the circumstances?
• Where/when does the poem take place?
• Where is the speaker and when?

2. Structure

• How do the parts fit together? (i.e., punctuation, complete sentences, etc.)
• How does the poem get from one idea to another?
• Is there repetition?

3. Theme/Central Message

• What point is the author trying to get across to its readers?

4. Grammar and Meaning

• Are there sensory objects?

5. Are there any important images or figures of speech?

6. What type of diction does the author use?

• This can reflect the audience the author is aiming to reach

7. What is the author's tone?

• Can further help with understanding the theme of the poem

8. What literary or rhetorical devices are used?

9. What is the prosidy?

• Prosidy is the movement through a poem that hints to the deeper meaning of the poem
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