Analysing Poetry

When analysing poems we need to remember our S. M. I. L. E. S.

Structure
How is the poem organised?
How many stanzas or verses are there?
What is the rhyming scheme? i.e ABAB
How do the ideas progress?
What is the line length in syllables?
Is there repetition of words and or phrases?

Meaning
What does the title tell us?
What is the message of the poem?

Imagery
What visual picture does the poem paint for the reader?
What are some examples of phrases and words which provide this imagery?
Are there any metaphors, similes, personification or alliteration in the poem?

Language
What style of language is used?
Think of words like: lyrical, blunt, ironic, concise, flowing, colloquial, academic, descriptive

Effect
What bias or opinion is presented in the poem? How is this achieved?
Is there a particular tone used?
What do you feel when you read it, what is your response?

Sound
How is the poem read out loud?
Does it have sound effects? i.e. onomatopoeia