How to read a poem

Here’s a method for reading a poem that I use. It works pretty well though poetry is “slippery” sometimes by nature. My LINKS page has helpful sites for terms and examples. Here’s  a terms site. Check out the NYT RSS in the sidebar for more about a current poet and poetry in general.

1. Read the title then read the poem. Silently is good but aloud is better. Follow punctuation rather than line ends. Read sentences, thoughts.

2. Determine the speaker and his situation: Paraphrase.  ”The speaker is a man who . . .” This is akin to plot.

3. Examine the poet’s figures of speech (metaphor, apostrophe, allusion, etc.) Look for connotative language. — “fair” may be complimentary while “pale” usually isn’t. Also look at sound features such as alleration and assonance. Are they functional? Decorative?

4. What is the attitude or tone? Use an adjective or two. Here’s a list of “tone” words. Be exact. Is the poet being ambiguous? They like that.

5. Consider the structure and rhetorical mode: is it dialogue, argument, a lyric, a narrative, descriptive? How are the parts arranged? How does the form fit the message?

6. What is the theme? or “What’s your point? “we ask. Is it traditional, original?

7. What is the poet’s revealed bias or worldview? His theme should let us know. This is where many explications fall short.

8. Return to the title. It should now be significant and enlightening.

Remember that poetry isn’t a hobby for little old ladies’ sewing circles. Nor is it the domain for literary snobs. It is a time-honored means of self expression — art — and an important part of culture. Both men and women appreciate it. A Renaissance man would beat somebody in a sword fight, sail the Atlantic, and then write a poem.  Poetry is accessible for most people (nursery rhymes) if they use a good method and practice.