objective: evaluate form and devices and annotate poetry to better understand a poem’s theme and...
TRANSCRIPT
Objective: Evaluate form and devices and annotate poetry to better understand a poem’s theme and poet’s vision or purpose.
An author’s life experiences or values are often reflected in his work. Therefore, if you learn about his life, you may find clues about his work or similarities.
Parts of Poetry Analysis
FormSummary/ThemeDevices
Part 1: FormStanza Type – Count the number of lines grouped
together for a stanza. Identify the proper name.2=couplet 4 = quatrain 6 = sestet 8 = octave
Type of Rhyme – Find rhyming words. List these examples and line numbers. Identify these as a) end or internal rhyme and b) exact or approximate rhyme
Rhyme Scheme – If you have end rhyme assign each last word of a stanza a letter beginning with the letter “a” and repeat letters when you have rhyme. Aabb would be lines 1 & 2 rhyming and 3 & 4 rhyming
Rhythm – Copy a line of poetry, mark each syllable with ‘ if accented or u if unaccented. Use notes to identify the rhythmic pattern. Remember to combine BOTH feet plus meter.
Tone – Identify in one or two adjectives the author’s attitude towards the subject or readers. Tone may be playful, formal, intimate, angry, serious, ironic, outraged, baffled, tender, serene, depressed, etc.
Part 2 Summary/Theme
Write a 1-2 sentence summary explaining what the poem is about and what happens (beginning – end).
Write a theme statement that expressing the hidden message in the poem. Think truism; what is the poem saying about life, people, or the world?
Part 3: Poetry Devices Imagery – Find words or phrases that appeal to the senses to make
the reader feel like they are there.Symbolism – Find a single word that has symbolic meaning,
represents something greater than what it is.Personification – Find a line that gives human characteristics to
inanimate objects.Simile – Find a line that compares two unlike things using “like” or
“as”.Metaphor – Find a line that describes one thing as though it IS
another.Hyperbole – Find a line that expresses an overstatement,
exaggeration.Consonance – Find WORDS in the same line that repeat the same
consonant sounds in the MIDDLE or END of the words.Alliteration – Find WORDS in the same line that repeat the same
consonance sounds at the BEGINNING of the words.Onomatopoeia – Find a WORD that imitates a natural sound.Assonance – Find WORDS in the same line that repeat the same
VOWEL sound but are NOT rhyming words.
Form Stanza Type
Type of Rhyme
Rhyme Scheme
Rhythm
Tone
Summary:What is the poem about and what happens or is described?
What is the implied message?
Poetry Devices Imagery
Symbolism
Personification
Simile
Metaphor
Hyperbole
Consonance
Alliteration
Onomatopoeia
Assonance