Notes on Poetry

Dear Children,
I came across this article on poetry analysis by Jim Forrest that I found really interesting and worth sharing. So here it is for you to read, understand and enjoy trying out.

Poetry notes
T.F. - T.A.S.T.I. POETRY ANALYSIS by Jim Forrest

Following the process outlined below will allow you to confidently and accurately understand and explain even the most challenging poetry. The best results will come from taking careful and detailed notes for each step, following the order outlined below. Welcome to the wonderful world of poetry.

1. T = Title

Before reading the poem, take a careful look at the title and make educated predictions about the subject matter, setting, themes, moods, etc. of the poem.

2. F = Facts

In many ways, this is the key step in the whole process, because not being clear about the factual (i.e. literal) meaning of a poem will almost always lead to confusion and\or error in understanding the abstract (i.e. figurative) ideas and feelings that the poem is communicating. Therefore, be very careful and thorough in taking notes and finding evidence at this stage. The questions you should try to answer are—

a) Who? — Who is the narrator (speaker) of the poem? Who are the other characters in the poem? What do you know about these people? Evidence?

b) Where? and When? (Setting) — What are the implications of setting the poem at this place and this time?

c) What happens? (Plot) — Exactly what events happen or have happened in the poem?

3. T = Techniques

Identify specific examples of poetic techniques employed in the poem, and if possible explain how these techniques contribute to the MOOD and\or meaning of the poem. Look for techniques such as:

a) Imagery and Image Patterns
b) Figurative Language - – i.e. Simile, Metaphor, Personification, Allusion, etc.
c) Sound Techniques — i.e. Rhyme, Alliteration, Onomatopoeia, etc
d) Other Language Techniques—Diction, Syntax, Connotation, etc.

4. A = Attitude

Identify and explain the attitude(s) (i.e. TONE) of the narrator and\or the writer toward the characters, events, etc. in the poem. As much as possible, provide direct evidence from the text (i.e. words, phrases) to support your explanation of the attitudes you identify.

5. S = Shifts

Identify and explain the significant shifts and changes in the poem. Specifically, look for shifts in:

a) narrative voice (i.e. the change to a new speaker)
b) stanzas (Why change to a new stanza here?)
c) image patterns, diction, syntax
d) setting, action
e) logical organisation (Key Words - but, however, yet, although, etc)
f) verb tenses
g) line lengths
h) punctuation (dashes, periods, ellipsis, etc.)

6. T = Title

Return to the title and make further notes about its significance and implications, especially at the level of figurative meaning, in light of the analysis done so far.

7. I = Idea

In one or two complete sentences, summarise the primary idea(s) and\or feelings that the poet is communicating in the poem. In other words, what is the poet saying about people and\or life in the poem?
This summary statement should be the result of and be consistent with the details of your analysis in the preceding categories.

Do share your views on this with me.

Rita Ma'am