Poetry Analysis
Your task is to write a 500-word discussion of the ways at least three of the following elements work to develop and reinforce the poem's theme.
Step 1:Select a Poem We Have Read in Class
- "Snapping Beans" by Lisa Parker, p. 756
- "Those Winter Sundays," by Robert Hayden, p. 757
- "Oh, Oh," by William Hathaway,p. 760
- "Catch," by Robert Francis," p. 762
- "The Fish," by Elizabeth Bishop," p. 767-768
- "Introduction to Poetry," by Billy Collins, p. 776
- "How I Discovered Poetry" by Marilyn Nelson, p. 808
- "Hazel Tells LaVerne," by Katharyn Howd Machan, p. 809
- "Latin Night at the Pawnshop," by Martin Espada, p. 811
Draw from the Level 1, 2, and 3 questions we used in class, as well as the questions on pages 794-795. Look carefully at what each word, line, and stanza contributes to the overall effect. Make notes in the margin of the poem to record you impressions as well as to discover new insights as you read the text closely.
As you read, look for how at least three of these elements function in the poem to develop and reinforce the theme.
diction and tone irony form (what it looks like on the page)
images sound and rhyme speaker
rhythm setting and situation figures of speech (similes, metaphor, personification, etc)
symbols
Step 3: Outline Your Analysis
This does not have to be a formal outline. It can be a list or bullet points, but it should indicate the following:
- Your thesis/claim
- Your main points (topic sentences)
- Your supporting textual evidence (paraphrased and directly quoted)
- You are making a road map to guide you as your draft your analysis
Step 4: Write Your Analysis