Analyzing Poetry

Analyzing Poetry Notes:

• The Process

• Watch and Listen

• An Example

PRACTICE: Analyzing a Poem

Now it's time for you to practice the skills you have learned!

1. Click here to read the poem. It would be a good idea to print a copy so that you can refer to it when you do the multiple choice questions.

2. REMEMBER: It is a good idea to read a poem more than once in order to understand it and be able to analyze it correctly.

3. Try the Multiple Choice QUIZ: ''Death Over Water''

4. Now try the Essay Question and then review the essay examples

Throughout the poem, the poet compares the relationship between the eagle and the gull to "a pair of ice dancers."

In paragraph form [approximately 125 - 150 words] and with reference to the poem, discuss the poet's use of the extended metaphor of ice dancing.

5. There are a number of things you need to bear in mind when you write an essay like this:

• • You need to know what a metaphor is (an extended metaphor is one that continues throughout a piece, NOT just in one reference).

  • The essay must be in paragraph form (the markers should be able to see AT LEAST one paragraph break in your answer.

  • You MUST make specific reference to the poem. DO NOT make references to life and people in general!

  • The references you make may be

    • explicit (direct quotation), OR

    • implicit (making comments about the poem).

  • If you quote directly you must be sure to integrate the quotations into the essay.

TASK: Poetry Analysis

Instructions

1. Read the following poems about relationships.

2. In 300-400 words, with specific reference to each poem (direct quotes), CONTRAST the qualities of the relationships and describe how the relationships are different.

Submission

Upload your notes, how many XP you've earned, and your written assignment to ASSIGNMENT: Poetry Analysis

Assessment

Click here for the marking guide that will be used to grade your analysis.

Note: This is EXCELLENT exam and university prep.