Poetry Annotation

Finding literary devices within a work of poetry

Annotating a poem

Texts and poems require many readings and often annotation to clarify the many layers of meaning that the author has created.Annotation is common in literary criticism and analysis, particularly for poetry which is often densely packed with literary devices and carefully considered word choice and order.

Annotating a poem

Annotation: Providing critical (as in criticism) and explanatory notes for a work of literature. Annotation is often placed in the margins of text or poetry that has been annotated with specific references to lines, words and phrases. Use of literary devices as applied to the work is common.

Annotating a poem

As you annotate, consider carefully each word and turn of phrase and determine its purpose within the writing.

 Some questions to consider are: What is the author saying through this particular speaker/persona?  What is the natural progression of the poem?  What is its purpose?  What is the tone and style of the poem? 

Annotating a poem

What is the poem’s structure which explains its progression along with the major turning points Is there any language such as dialect that denotes regionality, education of speaker, rhetorical purpose, etc.  Is it conversational, colloquial or does the speaker fall back on formal language? Tone:  Is the poem celebratory, depressed, confused?  Does it shift or change?

Annotating a poem

Speaker/Persona:  What does the poem reveal about the speaker?

Imagery:  What images does the poem use to create meaning or set the mood?

Symbolism:  What images become symbolic? 

Annotating a poem

Any other characteristics that are specific to your poem--Every poem is different. As you research, you will discover that particular poets are known for certain techniques or styles.  If this poem follows that trend or veers from it, this may be important to your understanding of the poem.

Sample Annotation

Works Cited

http://www.westga.edu/~pburgey/Poetry/HowToAnnotateAPoem.htm