poetry analysis essay sample

A Full Guide to Writing a Perfect Poem Analysis Essay

01 October, 2020

14 minutes read

Author:  Elizabeth Brown

Poem analysis is one of the most complicated essay types. It requires the utmost creativity and dedication. Even those who regularly attend a literary class and have enough experience in poem analysis essay elaboration may face considerable difficulties while dealing with the particular poem. The given article aims to provide the detailed guidelines on how to write a poem analysis, elucidate the main principles of writing the essay of the given type, and share with you the handy tips that will help you get the highest score for your poetry analysis. In addition to developing analysis skills, you would be able to take advantage of the poetry analysis essay example to base your poetry analysis essay on, as well as learn how to find a way out in case you have no motivation and your creative assignment must be presented on time.

What Is a Poetry Analysis Essay?

A poetry analysis essay is a type of creative write-up that implies reviewing a poem from different perspectives by dealing with its structural, artistic, and functional pieces. Since the poetry expresses very complicated feelings that may have different meanings depending on the backgrounds of both author and reader, it would not be enough just to focus on the text of the poem you are going to analyze. Poetry has a lot more complex structure and cannot be considered without its special rhythm, images, as well as implied and obvious sense.

While analyzing the poem, the students need to do in-depth research as to its content, taking into account the effect the poetry has or may have on the readers.

Preparing for the Poetry Analysis Writing

The process of preparation for the poem analysis essay writing is almost as important as writing itself. Without completing these stages, you may be at risk of failing your creative assignment. Learn them carefully to remember once and for good.

Thoroughly read the poem several times

The rereading of the poem assigned for analysis will help to catch its concepts and ideas. You will have a possibility to define the rhythm of the poem, its type, and list the techniques applied by the author.

While identifying the type of the poem, you need to define whether you are dealing with:

• Lyric poem – the one that elucidates feelings, experiences, and the emotional state of the author. It is usually short and doesn’t contain any narration;
• Limerick – consists of 5 lines, the first, second, and fifth of which rhyme with one another;
• Sonnet – a poem consisting of 14 lines characterized by an iambic pentameter. William Shakespeare wrote sonnets which have made him famous;
• Ode – 10-line poem aimed at praising someone or something;
• Haiku – a short 3-line poem originated from Japan. It reflects the deep sense hidden behind the ordinary phenomena and events of the physical world;
• Free-verse – poetry with no rhyme.

The type of the poem usually affects its structure and content, so it is important to be aware of all the recognized kinds to set a proper beginning to your poetry analysis.

Find out more about the poem background

Find as much information as possible about the author of the poem, the cultural background of the period it was written in, preludes to its creation, etc. All these data will help you get a better understanding of the poem’s sense and explain much to you in terms of the concepts the poem contains.

Define a subject matter of the poem

This is one of the most challenging tasks since as a rule, the subject matter of the poem isn’t clearly stated by the poets. They don’t want the readers to know immediately what their piece of writing is about and suggest everyone find something different between the lines.

What is the subject matter? In a nutshell, it is the main idea of the poem. Usually, a poem may have a couple of subjects, that is why it is important to list each of them.

In order to correctly identify the goals of a definite poem, you would need to dive into the in-depth research.

Check the historical background of the poetry. The author might have been inspired to write a poem based on some events that occurred in those times or people he met. The lines you analyze may be generated by his reaction to some epoch events. All this information can be easily found online.

Choose poem theories you will support

In the variety of ideas the poem may convey, it is important to stick to only several most important messages you think the author wanted to share with the readers. Each of the listed ideas must be supported by the corresponding evidence as proof of your opinion.

The poetry analysis essay format allows elaborating on several theses that have the most value and weight. Try to build your writing not only on the pure facts that are obvious from the context but also your emotions and feelings the analyzed lines provoke in you.

How to Choose a Poem to Analyze?

If you are free to choose the piece of writing you will base your poem analysis essay on, it is better to select the one you are already familiar with. This may be your favorite poem or one that you have read and analyzed before. In case you face difficulties choosing the subject area of a particular poem, then the best way will be to focus on the idea you feel most confident about. In such a way, you would be able to elaborate on the topic and describe it more precisely.

Now, when you are familiar with the notion of the poetry analysis essay, it’s high time to proceed to poem analysis essay outline. Follow the steps mentioned below to ensure a brilliant structure to your creative assignment.

Best Poem Analysis Essay Topics

• Mother To Son Poem Analysis
• We Real Cool Poem Analysis
• Invictus Poem Analysis
• Richard Cory Poem Analysis
• Ozymandias Poem Analysis
• Barbie Doll Poem Analysis
• Caged Bird Poem Analysis
• Ulysses Poem Analysis
• Dover Beach Poem Analysis
• Annabelle Lee Poem Analysis
• Daddy Poem Analysis
• The Raven Poem Analysis
• The Second Coming Poem Analysis
• Still I Rise Poem Analysis
• If Poem Analysis
• Fire And Ice Poem Analysis
• My Papa’S Waltz Poem Analysis
• Harlem Poem Analysis
• Kubla Khan Poem Analysis
• I Too Poem Analysis
• The Juggler Poem Analysis
• The Fish Poem Analysis
• Jabberwocky Poem Analysis
• Charge Of The Light Brigade Poem Analysis
• The Road Not Taken Poem Analysis
• Landscape With The Fall Of Icarus Poem Analysis
• The History Teacher Poem Analysis
• One Art Poem Analysis
• The Wanderer Poem Analysis
• We Wear The Mask Poem Analysis
• There Will Come Soft Rains Poem Analysis
• Digging Poem Analysis
• The Highwayman Poem Analysis
• The Tyger Poem Analysis
• London Poem Analysis
• Sympathy Poem Analysis
• I Am Joaquin Poem Analysis
• This Is Just To Say Poem Analysis
• Sex Without Love Poem Analysis
• Strange Fruit Poem Analysis
• Dulce Et Decorum Est Poem Analysis
• Emily Dickinson Poem Analysis
• The Flea Poem Analysis
• The Lamb Poem Analysis
• Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night Poem Analysis
• My Last Duchess Poetry Analysis

Poem Analysis Essay Outline

As has already been stated, a poetry analysis essay is considered one of the most challenging tasks for the students. Despite the difficulties you may face while dealing with it, the structure of the given type of essay is quite simple. It consists of the introduction, body paragraphs, and the conclusion. In order to get a better understanding of the poem analysis essay structure, check the brief guidelines below.

Introduction

This will be the first section of your essay. The main purpose of the introductory paragraph is to give a reader an idea of what the essay is about and what theses it conveys. The introduction should start with the title of the essay and end with the thesis statement.

The main goal of the introduction is to make readers feel intrigued about the whole concept of the essay and serve as a hook to grab their attention. Include some interesting information about the author, the historical background of the poem, some poem trivia, etc. There is no need to make the introduction too extensive. On the contrary, it should be brief and logical.

Body Paragraphs

The body section should form the main part of poetry analysis. Make sure you have determined a clear focus for your analysis and are ready to elaborate on the main message and meaning of the poem. Mention the tone of the poetry, its speaker, try to describe the recipient of the poem’s idea. Don’t forget to identify the poetic devices and language the author uses to reach the main goals. Describe the imagery and symbolism of the poem, its sound and rhythm.

Try not to stick to too many ideas in your body section, since it may make your essay difficult to understand and too chaotic to perceive. Generalization, however, is also not welcomed. Try to be specific in the description of your perspective.

Make sure the transitions between your paragraphs are smooth and logical to make your essay flow coherent and easy to catch.

In a nutshell, the essay conclusion is a paraphrased thesis statement. Mention it again but in different words to remind the readers of the main purpose of your essay. Sum up the key claims and stress the most important information. The conclusion cannot contain any new ideas and should be used to create a strong impact on the reader. This is your last chance to share your opinion with the audience and convince them your essay is worth readers’ attention.

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Poem Analysis Essay Examples 

A good poem analysis essay example may serve as a real magic wand to your creative assignment. You may take a look at the structure the other essay authors have used, follow their tone, and get a great share of inspiration and motivation.

Check several poetry analysis essay examples that may be of great assistance:

• https://study.com/academy/lesson/poetry-analysis-essay-example-for-english-literature.html
• https://www.slideshare.net/mariefincher/poetry-analysis-essay

Writing Tips for a Poetry Analysis Essay

If you read carefully all the instructions on how to write a poetry analysis essay provided above, you have probably realized that this is not the easiest assignment on Earth. However, you cannot fail and should try your best to present a brilliant essay to get the highest score. To make your life even easier, check these handy tips on how to analysis poetry with a few little steps.

• In case you have a chance to choose a poem for analysis by yourself, try to focus on one you are familiar with, you are interested in, or your favorite one. The writing process will be smooth and easy in case you are working on the task you truly enjoy.
• Before you proceed to the analysis itself, read the poem out loud to your colleague or just to yourself. It will help you find out some hidden details and senses that may result in new ideas.
• Always check the meaning of words you don’t know. Poetry is quite a tricky phenomenon where a single word or phrase can completely change the meaning of the whole piece. 
• Bother to double check if the conclusion of your essay is based on a single idea and is logically linked to the main body. Such an approach will demonstrate your certain focus and clearly elucidate your views. 
• Read between the lines. Poetry is about senses and emotions – it rarely contains one clearly stated subject matter. Describe the hidden meanings and mention the feelings this has provoked in you. Try to elaborate a full picture that would be based on what is said and what is meant.

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• How to write a literary analysis essay | A step-by-step guide

How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay | A Step-by-Step Guide

Published on January 30, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on August 14, 2023.

Literary analysis means closely studying a text, interpreting its meanings, and exploring why the author made certain choices. It can be applied to novels, short stories, plays, poems, or any other form of literary writing.

A literary analysis essay is not a rhetorical analysis , nor is it just a summary of the plot or a book review. Instead, it is a type of argumentative essay where you need to analyze elements such as the language, perspective, and structure of the text, and explain how the author uses literary devices to create effects and convey ideas.

Before beginning a literary analysis essay, it’s essential to carefully read the text and c ome up with a thesis statement to keep your essay focused. As you write, follow the standard structure of an academic essay :

• An introduction that tells the reader what your essay will focus on.
• A main body, divided into paragraphs , that builds an argument using evidence from the text.
• A conclusion that clearly states the main point that you have shown with your analysis.

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Table of contents

Step 1: reading the text and identifying literary devices, step 2: coming up with a thesis, step 3: writing a title and introduction, step 4: writing the body of the essay, step 5: writing a conclusion, other interesting articles.

The first step is to carefully read the text(s) and take initial notes. As you read, pay attention to the things that are most intriguing, surprising, or even confusing in the writing—these are things you can dig into in your analysis.

Your goal in literary analysis is not simply to explain the events described in the text, but to analyze the writing itself and discuss how the text works on a deeper level. Primarily, you’re looking out for literary devices —textual elements that writers use to convey meaning and create effects. If you’re comparing and contrasting multiple texts, you can also look for connections between different texts.

To get started with your analysis, there are several key areas that you can focus on. As you analyze each aspect of the text, try to think about how they all relate to each other. You can use highlights or notes to keep track of important passages and quotes.

Language choices

Consider what style of language the author uses. Are the sentences short and simple or more complex and poetic?

What word choices stand out as interesting or unusual? Are words used figuratively to mean something other than their literal definition? Figurative language includes things like metaphor (e.g. “her eyes were oceans”) and simile (e.g. “her eyes were like oceans”).

Also keep an eye out for imagery in the text—recurring images that create a certain atmosphere or symbolize something important. Remember that language is used in literary texts to say more than it means on the surface.

Narrative voice

Ask yourself:

• Who is telling the story?
• How are they telling it?

Is it a first-person narrator (“I”) who is personally involved in the story, or a third-person narrator who tells us about the characters from a distance?

Consider the narrator’s perspective . Is the narrator omniscient (where they know everything about all the characters and events), or do they only have partial knowledge? Are they an unreliable narrator who we are not supposed to take at face value? Authors often hint that their narrator might be giving us a distorted or dishonest version of events.

The tone of the text is also worth considering. Is the story intended to be comic, tragic, or something else? Are usually serious topics treated as funny, or vice versa ? Is the story realistic or fantastical (or somewhere in between)?

Consider how the text is structured, and how the structure relates to the story being told.

• Novels are often divided into chapters and parts.
• Poems are divided into lines, stanzas, and sometime cantos.
• Plays are divided into scenes and acts.

Think about why the author chose to divide the different parts of the text in the way they did.

There are also less formal structural elements to take into account. Does the story unfold in chronological order, or does it jump back and forth in time? Does it begin in medias res —in the middle of the action? Does the plot advance towards a clearly defined climax?

With poetry, consider how the rhyme and meter shape your understanding of the text and your impression of the tone. Try reading the poem aloud to get a sense of this.

In a play, you might consider how relationships between characters are built up through different scenes, and how the setting relates to the action. Watch out for  dramatic irony , where the audience knows some detail that the characters don’t, creating a double meaning in their words, thoughts, or actions.

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Your thesis in a literary analysis essay is the point you want to make about the text. It’s the core argument that gives your essay direction and prevents it from just being a collection of random observations about a text.

If you’re given a prompt for your essay, your thesis must answer or relate to the prompt. For example:

Essay question example

Is Franz Kafka’s “Before the Law” a religious parable?

Your thesis statement should be an answer to this question—not a simple yes or no, but a statement of why this is or isn’t the case:

Thesis statement example

Franz Kafka’s “Before the Law” is not a religious parable, but a story about bureaucratic alienation.

Sometimes you’ll be given freedom to choose your own topic; in this case, you’ll have to come up with an original thesis. Consider what stood out to you in the text; ask yourself questions about the elements that interested you, and consider how you might answer them.

Your thesis should be something arguable—that is, something that you think is true about the text, but which is not a simple matter of fact. It must be complex enough to develop through evidence and arguments across the course of your essay.

Say you’re analyzing the novel Frankenstein . You could start by asking yourself:

Your initial answer might be a surface-level description:

The character Frankenstein is portrayed negatively in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein .

However, this statement is too simple to be an interesting thesis. After reading the text and analyzing its narrative voice and structure, you can develop the answer into a more nuanced and arguable thesis statement:

Mary Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to portray Frankenstein in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as.

Remember that you can revise your thesis statement throughout the writing process , so it doesn’t need to be perfectly formulated at this stage. The aim is to keep you focused as you analyze the text.

Finding textual evidence

To support your thesis statement, your essay will build an argument using textual evidence —specific parts of the text that demonstrate your point. This evidence is quoted and analyzed throughout your essay to explain your argument to the reader.

It can be useful to comb through the text in search of relevant quotations before you start writing. You might not end up using everything you find, and you may have to return to the text for more evidence as you write, but collecting textual evidence from the beginning will help you to structure your arguments and assess whether they’re convincing.

To start your literary analysis paper, you’ll need two things: a good title, and an introduction.

Your title should clearly indicate what your analysis will focus on. It usually contains the name of the author and text(s) you’re analyzing. Keep it as concise and engaging as possible.

A common approach to the title is to use a relevant quote from the text, followed by a colon and then the rest of your title.

If you struggle to come up with a good title at first, don’t worry—this will be easier once you’ve begun writing the essay and have a better sense of your arguments.

“Fearful symmetry” : The violence of creation in William Blake’s “The Tyger”

The introduction

The essay introduction provides a quick overview of where your argument is going. It should include your thesis statement and a summary of the essay’s structure.

A typical structure for an introduction is to begin with a general statement about the text and author, using this to lead into your thesis statement. You might refer to a commonly held idea about the text and show how your thesis will contradict it, or zoom in on a particular device you intend to focus on.

Then you can end with a brief indication of what’s coming up in the main body of the essay. This is called signposting. It will be more elaborate in longer essays, but in a short five-paragraph essay structure, it shouldn’t be more than one sentence.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, protagonist Victor Frankenstein is a stable representation of the callous ambition of modern science throughout the novel. This essay, however, argues that far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to portray Frankenstein in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as. This essay begins by exploring the positive portrayal of Frankenstein in the first volume, then moves on to the creature’s perception of him, and finally discusses the third volume’s narrative shift toward viewing Frankenstein as the creature views him.

Some students prefer to write the introduction later in the process, and it’s not a bad idea. After all, you’ll have a clearer idea of the overall shape of your arguments once you’ve begun writing them!

If you do write the introduction first, you should still return to it later to make sure it lines up with what you ended up writing, and edit as necessary.

The body of your essay is everything between the introduction and conclusion. It contains your arguments and the textual evidence that supports them.

Paragraph structure

A typical structure for a high school literary analysis essay consists of five paragraphs : the three paragraphs of the body, plus the introduction and conclusion.

Each paragraph in the main body should focus on one topic. In the five-paragraph model, try to divide your argument into three main areas of analysis, all linked to your thesis. Don’t try to include everything you can think of to say about the text—only analysis that drives your argument.

In longer essays, the same principle applies on a broader scale. For example, you might have two or three sections in your main body, each with multiple paragraphs. Within these sections, you still want to begin new paragraphs at logical moments—a turn in the argument or the introduction of a new idea.

Robert’s first encounter with Gil-Martin suggests something of his sinister power. Robert feels “a sort of invisible power that drew me towards him.” He identifies the moment of their meeting as “the beginning of a series of adventures which has puzzled myself, and will puzzle the world when I am no more in it” (p. 89). Gil-Martin’s “invisible power” seems to be at work even at this distance from the moment described; before continuing the story, Robert feels compelled to anticipate at length what readers will make of his narrative after his approaching death. With this interjection, Hogg emphasizes the fatal influence Gil-Martin exercises from his first appearance.

Topic sentences

To keep your points focused, it’s important to use a topic sentence at the beginning of each paragraph.

A good topic sentence allows a reader to see at a glance what the paragraph is about. It can introduce a new line of argument and connect or contrast it with the previous paragraph. Transition words like “however” or “moreover” are useful for creating smooth transitions:

… The story’s focus, therefore, is not upon the divine revelation that may be waiting beyond the door, but upon the mundane process of aging undergone by the man as he waits.

Nevertheless, the “radiance” that appears to stream from the door is typically treated as religious symbolism.

This topic sentence signals that the paragraph will address the question of religious symbolism, while the linking word “nevertheless” points out a contrast with the previous paragraph’s conclusion.

Using textual evidence

A key part of literary analysis is backing up your arguments with relevant evidence from the text. This involves introducing quotes from the text and explaining their significance to your point.

It’s important to contextualize quotes and explain why you’re using them; they should be properly introduced and analyzed, not treated as self-explanatory:

It isn’t always necessary to use a quote. Quoting is useful when you’re discussing the author’s language, but sometimes you’ll have to refer to plot points or structural elements that can’t be captured in a short quote.

In these cases, it’s more appropriate to paraphrase or summarize parts of the text—that is, to describe the relevant part in your own words:

The conclusion of your analysis shouldn’t introduce any new quotations or arguments. Instead, it’s about wrapping up the essay. Here, you summarize your key points and try to emphasize their significance to the reader.

A good way to approach this is to briefly summarize your key arguments, and then stress the conclusion they’ve led you to, highlighting the new perspective your thesis provides on the text as a whole:

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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By tracing the depiction of Frankenstein through the novel’s three volumes, I have demonstrated how the narrative structure shifts our perception of the character. While the Frankenstein of the first volume is depicted as having innocent intentions, the second and third volumes—first in the creature’s accusatory voice, and then in his own voice—increasingly undermine him, causing him to appear alternately ridiculous and vindictive. Far from the one-dimensional villain he is often taken to be, the character of Frankenstein is compelling because of the dynamic narrative frame in which he is placed. In this frame, Frankenstein’s narrative self-presentation responds to the images of him we see from others’ perspectives. This conclusion sheds new light on the novel, foregrounding Shelley’s unique layering of narrative perspectives and its importance for the depiction of character.

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Poem Analysis Essay Guide: Outline, Template, Structure

Poetry analysis, which is similar to poetry review, involves analyzing the language and figures of speech used by a poet. It also entails sharing personal views regarding the poem and breaking down the poetic instruments utilized by the said poet. However, it’s not just about the words used (Headrick, 2014). It entails reading between the lines and understanding what made the poet come up with a particular poem. So it may require some background research on the author and history behind the creation of the poem.

Do not worry, we can take care of your academic needs! If you feel that you do not have enough time to complete the assignment then order a custom essay online from us. Our essay writers service have vast experience with this type of work. We have a wide range of free guides and blogs to help you so that you will have more time for the important things. If you still have doubts, you can easily check essayservice review on sitejabber.

What Is A Poetry Analysis?

Poetry analysis may define as a critical review given on a poem, a reflection on the depth and gravity of a poem. It revolves around multiple aspects of a poem starting from the subject of a poem, its theme (meaning), tone, literary devices or speech figures, form to the feeling of the poet to how a reader feels about the poem. It is not only the analysis of techniques used in a poem, but poetry analysis provides a broader and wider picture of the poem, its reality, its hidden meanings between the lines, a study of poet’s mind, feeling and intention behind a poem. Different techniques used in poetry analysis are helpful tools in investigating and reviewing the poem. Behind every review or analysis vital research on poet (author), era (time frame), possible reasons, the background behind the conceptualization poem is vital.

One should read, understand and develop a thesis. Writing services also recommend researching more on the poet and his past works to understand the root of this particular idea.

If you have been asked to write a poem analysis essay, then it means to examine the piece and further dissect it into key elements including its form, techniques used and historical value. Then further appreciating the poem and highlighting to others these points, and gaining a better understanding.

It is also important to show as many ideas as possible that relate to the poem and then create conclusions on this.

To start writing a poetry analysis essay let's look at the prewriting stage.

How to Choose a Topic for a Poetry Analysis Essay?

• In the subject of the poem we mainly focus on the reasons such as why is the poem written or what is it all about?
• What is the context, the central content of the poem?
• Who wrote the poem and why?
• When and where the poet did write the poem, what or who has influenced the poet and what are the key features of the poem?

A topic should be chosen based on the theme you want to write. The theme is the message that the poem is trying to convey. You need to look therefore for concepts and notions that pop up in the poem and come up with an appropriate theme based on those perceptions or "feelings". If you can’t still figure out what topic you should choose for your analysis, it is recommended that you go through other poems similar poems and get a suitable topic for your analysis. Don’t also forget to cite your poem well. And also use in-text citations while quoting from the poem.

Related: COMING UP WITH ESSAY TOPIC IDEAS .

Poem Analysis Essay Outline

To create a good essay, it is needed to plan out the structure of a poem analysis essay so the writing stage will be easier and faster.

Here is an outline of a poem analysis essay to use:

Opening paragraph - Introduce the Poem, title, author and background.

Body of text - Make most of the analysis, linking ideas and referencing to the poem.

Conclusion - State one main idea, feelings and meanings.

Poem Analysis Essay Introduction

To start an introduction to a poem analysis essay, include the name of the poem and the author . Other details like the date of when it was published can also be stated. Then some background information and interesting facts or trivia regarding the poem or author can also be included here.

Poem Analysis Essay Body

When writing the main body of text keep in mind you have to reference all ideas to the poem so include a quotation to back up the sentence, otherwise, it will be a wasted comparison and not count. Be clear with your statements.

Poem Analysis Essay Conclusion

Now, this is where you should take a step back from analyzing the individual elements of the poem and work out its meaning as a whole. Combine the different elements of the analysis and put forward one main idea.

What is the poet trying to say, and how is it enforced and with what feeling? Then look at the meaning and what timeframe does this evolve over?

For example, is it obvious from the start, or does it gradually change towards the end? The last few lines can be very significant within a poem and so should be included in the poem analysis essay conclusion and commented on the impact on the piece.

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How to Analyze a Poem?

Before even thinking about your first draft, read the poem as much as possible. If it's possible, listen to it in the original form. This depends on many factors which include if the poet is still alive?

Also reading aloud can help identify other characteristics that could be missed and even to a friend or colleague will give a chance to more insight. It is important to remember that poetry is a form of art painted with only words, this said it could take time to fully appreciate the piece. So take note of any first thoughts you have about the poem, even if they are negative.

Your opinions can change over time but still mark these first thoughts down.

So that to analyze a poem properly, you have to pay attention to the following aspects:

Title of the Poem

So let's go deeper into the poem analysis essay and look at the title. The poet may have spent a lot of time thinking about naming the piece so what can be observed from this and what further questions can be asked?

• What are your expectations? For example, the poem could be titled “Alone” written by Edgar Allan Poe and from this it is natural to assume it will be sad. After reading further does the reality turn out to be different?
• What is the literature style used? So for example, the work could be called “His last sonnet” by John Keats. From appearance, it is possible to deduce that it could be in sonnet form and if not why did the poet choose to mislead the audience?
• What is the poem about? In the poem, “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways” by Elizabeth Barrett, it already states what could be included and what to expect but if it differs from the title what would this suggest?

Literal Meaning of the Poetry

According to our  to fully appreciate a piece, it is needed to understand all the words used. So, for example, get a good dictionary and look up all the unknown words. Then go through partly known words and phrases and check these too. Also, maybe check the meaning of words that are used a lot, but remember some text may have had a different meaning a century ago, so use the internet to look up anything that is not clear. Furthermore, people and places and any cultural relevance of the time should be researched too to get a deeper look at the poet's attitude towards the piece. Patterns might become visible at this point and maybe the theme of the poem.

Structure of the Poem

When looking at the structure of the piece this will reveal more information so pay close attention to this. Look at the organization and sections, this will unlock more questions:

• What does each part discuss?
• How do the parts relate to each other?
• Can you see formal separations?
• What logical sense does it have?
• Is there emotional sense that can be evaluated?
• Does having a strict format say anything about the poet?
• Also failing to have a strict structure does this reveal something?

Once you have observed the structure, it is possible to go deeper into the poem analysis essay and investigate how the speaker communicates the poem to the reader.

Tone and Intonation of the Poetry

So now it is possible to look at the poet and see what details can be obtained from them. Is it possible to see the gender or age of the speaker? Is there some race or religious references to pick up on? Then can we see if the speaker is directly communicating their thoughts and ideas to the reader? If not, what is the character the poet has created to convey the ideas or messages? Does the poet's persona differ to the character created and what can be analyzed from this? Also the mood of the speaker could be available now, are they happy or sad, and how can you find out this from the poem?

Once the poet is understood it is possible to move onto who or what the poem is designed for. Then you can see the purpose of the poetry, what does the poet want from the reader? It is also possible that the poet does not desire a response from the audience and is simply making a statement or expressing themselves.

For example, a poem about spring could just be a happy statement that winter has ended. Looking from the other side, this could be an attempt to attract someone's attention or maybe just an instruction to plow the field.

Purpose of the Poem

The subject of the poem can help identify the purpose, as this usually will be what the poet is describing. Then the theme can be identified also, and what does it say about the work? Are there any links between the theme and the subject and what can analyzed from that? The timeframe is also an important factor to consider, for example, the poet's goal back when it was written, may have changed and why? Furthermore, has the original purpose survived the test of time and can it be said to be the best indicator of success?

Language and Imagery of the Poetry

Until this point it was only possible to analyze the literal information available which is the denotative meaning.’ Now let's look at the imagery, symbolism and figures of speech, this is the connotative meaning.

This is where you should look for pictures described within the text and analyze why they have been depicted? So for example, if the poet thas decided to describe the moon this could set the time in the work or maybe the mood of the poem. Also look for groups of images described and patterns within this, what can be deducted from that?

So when looking for symbolism within the text this could be an event or physical object, including people and places that represent non-physical entities like an emotion or concept. For example, a bird flying through the air can be seen as freedom and escaping usual conforms.

Poetic devices

In your analysis you will look at techniques like metaphors, similes, personification and alliteration to include just a few. It's important to identify the actual device used and why it was chosen. For example, when comparing something within the text using a metaphor then look at how they are connected and in what way they are expressed? Try to use all available clues to gain better insight into the mind of the poet.

Music of the Poem

Poetry and music have deep connections and can be compared together due to the history and uses throughout the ages.

Here are some things to look out for to help with those comparisons:

• Meter - This can be available to investigate in different ways, for example, iambic pentameter has a strict five beats per line just like a musical score if used what does it say?
• Rhythm - Just like with music, poem can have a rhythm but if there is no given meter, it is needed to look closer and observe what this does to the work. For example, a particular beat that is fast could make the poem happy.
• Special effects - Looking for not so obvious signs where the poet has written in a way so you take longer to pronounce words. Also it is possible to grab your attention in other ways, for what reason has the writer done that?
• Rhyme - There are many different types of rhyming techniques used within poetry, once identified look at how it impacts on the work like make it humorous for example? Be careful to look for unusual patterns for example rhymes within the lines and not just at the end of the sentences, even reading out aloud might help find these and then what does it this say about the poem?
• Sound effects - The depiction of different sounds can be powerful and also using different voices, look at what impact this has on the piece and why?
• Breaking Rules - Rhyme and meter for example can have very specific rules but what if the poet decided to break these conventional techniques and make something new, what does this add to the work and why

How to Write a Poem Analysis Essay?

Below you will find a compelling guide on how to analyze poetry with handy writing tips:

• Choose a suitable poem - If possible, before you start, pick the main subject of your essay, a poem that you would like to analyze. The more you find it interesting, the easier it will be to handle the task.
• Read it fully - If you are wondering how to analyse poetry, the first step you can’t go without is carefully reading the chosen poem multiple times and, preferably, out loud.
• Always double-check the meanings - When reading a poem, don’t forget to check for the meanings of unknown (and known as well) words and phrases.
• Collect all the details you need - To write a compelling essay, you need to study the poem’s structure, contents, main ideas, as well as other background details.
• Explore hidden meanings - When analyzing poem, be sure to look beyond the words. Instead, focus on finding broader, hidden ideas that the author wanted to share through his piece.
• Make an outline - Once you have analyzed poem, outline your essay and write it following the plan.
• Proofread and edit - Finally, once your essay is ready, take your time to revise and polish it carefully.

Poetry Analysis Template

To write a winning poem analysis essay, use the template below or order an essay from our professionals.

Introduction

• Name of Poem
• Name of Poet
• Date of Publication
• Background or any relevant information

Form of poem

• Structure of poem
• Rhyme of poem

Meaning of poem

• Overall meaning
• How can we relate the poem to our life

Poetic Techniques

• Literary devices

Form of the Poem

Poems are written in some ways, here one need to identify which structure the poet has used for the poem. The forms of poems broadly are stanzas, rhythm, punctuation and rhymes. Carefully analyze the length and number of stanzas , does the rhythm impacts the meaning of the poem, is there many punctuations or little, either the rhyme is consistent, or it’s breaking and what is the rhyme contributing to the meaning of the poem or is it random.

Theme, Meaning or Message of the Poem

In this part, we focus on the topic, main issue or idea of the poem. There are layers of meaning hidden in a poem.

• Meaning: surface meaning that what is actually or physically happening in the poem which a reader can sense.
• Deeper Meaning: the central idea of the poem or what is it actually about.
• Theme: in poetry, there is always a hidden meaning in every line, which depicts the message about life.

Numerous topics can be covered in poems such as love, life, death, birth, nature, memory, war, age, sexuality, experience, religion, race, faith, creator and many others.

Tone of the Poem

The tone of the poem shows attitude or mood of the language used by the poet. Analyze the different shades of the language used in the poem for example; is it formal, judgmental, informal, critical, positive, bitter, reflective, solemn, frustrated, optimistic, ironic, scornful, regretful or morbid.

Literary Device used in the Poem

Find out what the different literary devices are or what sort of figures of speech is used by the poet . Analyze these techniques and suggest their use in the poem by the poet. The poem can contain a symbol, similes, metaphor, alliteration, allegories, oxymoron, assonances, dissonances, repetition, hyperbole, irony.

Conclusion or Feel of the Poem

Lastly, analyze the emotions and feelings linked with the poem; of the poet and what do you feel when you read the poem. This is the very critical part of reviewing a poem because we analyze the inner depth of the poem, the intention & feelings of the poet, the targeted audience, does the poem reflect the poet’s persona, perspective or it does not match with the poet.

Poetry Analysis Essay Example

Analysis of Edgar Allan Poe’s Poem “Annabel Lee”

Written in 1849 and first published after the author’s death, Annabel Lee by Edgar Allan Poe is a beautiful story of true love that goes beyond life. In the poem, the author is commemorating the girl named Annabel Lee, whom he knew since childhood. Despite the young age, the love between the narrator and Annabel was so deep and true that even angels were jealous, and, according to Edgar Allan Poe, their jealousy was so severe that they killed the love of his life. The poem ends with young Annabel Lee being buried in a tomb, leaving the readers with a feeling that the author kept holding on to his love for her for many years after her death.

The two evident topics in the poem are love and loss. The entire narration revolves around the author’s agonizing memory, at the same time demonstrating to the readers the purity and power of true love that makes him cherish the memory of his beloved one even after she is gone. Apart from that, Edgar Allan Poe also discusses such issues of love as jealousy and envy. The author states that the love of the two teens was so strong that even angels in heaven were not half as happy as Annabel and Edgar, which caused them to invade the teens’ romantic “kingdom by the sea” and kill the girl.

The topics discussed in the poem, as well as the style of narration itself, give the poem a very romantic atmosphere. It follows the main principles of the romantic era in poetry in the 18th and 19th centuries, which Edgar Allan Poe was representing. At the same time, the author also gives his poem a sense of musicality and rhythm. The poem’s rhyme scheme puts emphasis on the words “Lee”, “me”, and “sea”. The repetition of these words gives the poem a song-like sound.

A significant role in Edgar Allan Poe’s poem is played by imagery, which emphasizes the author’s unique style. The main imagery used by Allan Poe in Annabel Lee is the Kingdom. The author uses this imagery to set the right tone for his poem and give it a sort of a fairytale feel. At the same time, this imagery is used to take the reader to a different place, though not specifying what exactly this place is. To confirm this - the author uses the phrase “the kingdom by the sea” multiple times in his piece, never specifying its meaning. This trick enables the readers to leave this to their own imagination.

Apart from the Kingdom, the author also operates with the imagery of angels and demons. The narrator blames them for their envy for their deep love, which resulted in the death of Annable Lee. Thus, the author gives a negative attitude towards this imagery. This brings us to another big topic of good and evil discussed in the poem.

Nevertheless, even though the angels’ intervention seems to be clear to the reader from what the author says, Poe’s choice of words doesn’t directly implicate their responsibility for the girl’s death. The narrator blames everybody for his loss. However, he does this in a very tactical and covert way.

In conclusion, it becomes clear that the narrator in Annabel Lee did not only pursue a goal to share his pain and loss. He also emphasizes that true love is everlasting by stating that his love for the gone girl lives with him after all these years. With all its deep topics, imagery, and musicality, Annabel Lee is now considered one of the best works by Edgar Allan Poe.

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Poetry Analysis Examples and Samples

Poetry is an extremely subtle form of writing, and reviewing poetry requires a deep understanding of the elements that comprise a poem. Read our poetry analysis samples to gain a better understanding of how to write a poetry analysis of your own.

Master the Art: How to Analyze a Poem

Poetry is a unique literary form that captivates us with its expressive writing and artistic expression. One of the most profound experiences comes from delving into the depths of a poem and unveiling its hidden treasures. This article will guide you through the process of analyzing a poem, often referred to as poetry analysis or poem examination, so you can fully appreciate this artistic masterpiece.

Understanding the Theme

Every poem has a central theme, subject, or message that the poet wants to convey. The theme is often woven throughout the entire poem and can be discovered by closely reading and dissecting its content. Identifying the theme is an essential part of poetry analysis. Look for repeated words, phrases, or images – these can often point towards the theme.

Diving into the Context

Understanding the context, or the background and circumstances surrounding the creation of the poem, is another critical element in poem interpretation. The context can give you insight into the poet’s mindset, the era in which the poem was written, or the specific events that inspired it. It contributes to the setting and greatly influences the poem’s mood, or the emotional tone it imparts to readers.

Deciphering the Tone and Mood

Analyzing a poem involves not only examining the language and the message, but also understanding the poem’s tone and mood. Tone refers to the attitude or writer’s perspective expressed in the poem, while mood is the feeling or atmosphere created by the poem. These aspects are often set through the poet’s choice of words, the poem’s rhythm, and the imagery used.

Examining the Structure

The structure, or the arrangement and form of the poem, can also significantly contribute to its overall meaning. The structure encompasses aspects such as the poem’s organization into stanzas, the rhyme scheme, and the rhythm. Close attention to the structure can often reveal more about the poem’s theme and tone.

Unpacking the Language

Language is the heart of any poem. The poet’s diction, grammar, and word choice all contribute to the creation of a unique voice, setting the tone, and painting vivid imagery. To analyze a poem, it’s crucial to evaluate the language used – whether it’s simple or complex, literal or figurative, and how it relates to the poem’s theme and context.

Identifying Literary Devices

The use of literary devices, techniques, or tools like metaphor, simile, alliteration, and personification, to name a few, is one of the most engaging aspects of poetry. These devices are more than just ornamental; they serve as crucial components that lend depth and richness to the poem. Spotting and understanding these devices can help you dissect the poem’s meaning more effectively. For a more comprehensive analysis, a free online literature review generator can assist you in identifying and interpreting these literary devices.

Deepening Your Analysis: A Closer Look at the Techniques

Analyzing the title.

Before delving into the poem itself, begin with the title. The title often provides a hint to the poem’s theme or subject, and thus is a crucial starting point in your poem examination. Consider what assumptions or predictions you might make based on the title alone, and keep these in mind as you progress through your analysis.

Close Reading

To analyze a poem, start by reading it multiple times. Close reading allows you to understand the poem’s literal meaning, and then delve deeper into its figurative language and the emotional responses it evokes. This will help you catch the nuances of the poem’s language and structure.

Identifying the Speaker

Identifying the speaker in a poem is an important step in analyzing it. Understanding the speaker’s perspective helps set the tone and provides insight into the poem’s mood or emotional tone. Note that the speaker and the poet aren’t always the same, so don’t assume the speaker’s emotions or experiences mirror the poet’s.

Looking for Patterns

Looking for patterns, repetition, and motifs can often lead you to a poem’s central theme and help illuminate its message. These could be patterns in the poem’s structure, rhythm, rhyme scheme, or repeated words, phrases, or themes.

Interpreting Symbols and Metaphors

Poets often use symbols and metaphors to convey deeper meanings and emotions. These are significant elements of a poem that contribute to its overall meaning. Identifying and interpreting these can provide valuable insights during your poetry analysis.

Considering Historical and Cultural Context

Examining the historical and cultural context of the poem is crucial to understand it fully. The circumstances surrounding the poem’s creation, the era, and the prevailing social and cultural norms can heavily influence its content.

Analyzing a poem (as well as citing poem ) might seem like a daunting task at first, but it can be a rewarding and enlightening experience once you get the hang of it. The most important thing is to take your time, let your interpretation evolve, and above all, enjoy the process. Remember, the goal of a poetry analysis is not just to dissect and evaluate the poem, but also to appreciate the artistic expression and emotional journey that it offers.

Whether you’re analyzing the poem for a class, for a book club discussion, or for your enjoyment, understanding these elements and applying them organically can greatly enhance your ability to appreciate the profound beauty and complexity of poetry. Happy analyzing!

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How to write a poetry essay

• August 26, 2023

Whether you love literature or are just curious, this guide will help you understand, enjoy, and talk about poetry. So, let’s start exploring the world of lines and symbols, where each one tells a story to discover.

Here are the steps on writing a poetry essay.

Choose a poem

The first step is, of course, to choose a poem to write your essay . 

It should be one that you find interesting, thought-provoking, or emotionally resonant. It’s important to select a poem that you can engage with and analyze effectively.

• Choose a poem that genuinely captures your interest. Look for poems that evoke emotions, thoughts, or curiosity when you read them.
• Consider the themes addressed in the poem. It should offer ample material for analysis.

When choosing a poem

So for this guide, let’s choose Emily Dickinson’s poem “Because I could not stop for Death.” You’ll see a short excerpt of this poem for your understanding. 

Poem example for poetry essay

Because i couldn not stop for Death by Emily Dickinson

       Because I could not stop for Death –        He kindly stopped for me –        The Carriage held but just Ourselves –        And Immortality.        We slowly drove – He knew no haste        And I had put away        My labor and my leisure too,        For His Civility –        We passed the School, where Children strove        At Recess – in the Ring –        We passed the Fields of Gazing Grain –        We passed the Setting Sun –        The poem continues....

This poem is intriguing due to its exploration of mortality, the afterlife, and eternity. The imagery and language in the poem provide ample material for analysis, making it a suitable choice for a comprehensive essay.

After carefully choosing the poem that interests you, understanding the poem is the biggest key to writing an effective and nice poetry essay.

Understand the poem

Reading the poem several times to grasp its meaning is the most important part of a good analysis. You must first analyze the structure, rhyme scheme , meter and literary tools used in the poem.

For a solid understanding, you should:

• Read the poem multiple times to familiarize yourself with its content. Each reading may reveal new insights.
• Identify the central themes or messages the poem conveys.
• Study the rhyme scheme and meter (rhythmic pattern) of the poem.
• Consider how the structure, including its stanzas, lines, and breaks, contributes to the poem's meaning and impact.

For example

Remember, understanding the poem thoroughly is the foundation for a well-informed analysis. Take your time to grasp the poem’s various elements before moving on to the next steps in your essay.

Now that we have a clear understanding of the poem, let’s move into writing the introduction. 

Write a catchy introduction

• Begin with an attention-grabbing hook sentence that piques the reader's interest.
• Provide the necessary information about the poem and its author. Mention the poet's name and title of the poem.
• Offer some context about the poem's time period, literary movement, or cultural influences.
• Present your thesis statement , which outlines the main argument or focus of your essay.

Poetry essay introduction example

Introduction

Thesis statement for poetry essays

A thesis statement is a clear and concise sentence or two that presents the main argument or point of your essay . It provides a roadmap for your reader, outlining what they can expect to find in your essay.

In the case of a poetry essay, your thesis statement should capture the central message, themes, or techniques you’ll be discussing in relation to the poem.

Why is the thesis important for a poetry essay?

By reading your thesis statement, your audience should have a clear idea of what to expect from your poem analysis essay.

When creating a thesis statement, keep these in mind: 

• Start by identifying the key elements of the poem that you want to discuss. These could be themes, literary devices, emotions conveyed, or the poet's intentions.
• Based on the key elements you've identified, formulate a central argument that encapsulates your main analysis. What is the poem trying to convey? What are you trying to say about the poem?
• Your thesis should be specific and focused. Avoid vague or broad statements. Instead, provide a clear direction for your analysis.

Poetry essasy thesis statement example

....(introduction starts) ....(introduction continues) ....(introduction continues) In "Because I could not stop for Death," Emily Dickinson employs vivid imagery, personification, and an unconventional perspective on mortality to explore the transcendence of death and the eternity of the soul. Thesis statement, which is usually the last sentence of your introduction

Analyze language and imagery

Language and image analysis in poetry involves a close examination of the words, phrases and literary devices used by the poet. In this step you must uncover the deeper layers of meaning, emotion and sensory experiences conveyed by the poet’s choice of language and imagery.

Why language and imagery?

• Start by identifying and listing the literary devices present in the poem. These could include metaphors, similes, personification, symbolism, alliteration, onomatopoeia, and more.
• For each identified device, explain its significance. How does it contribute to the poem's meaning, mood, or tone?
• Analyze how the literary devices interact with the context of the poem. How do they relate to the themes, characters, or situations presented in the poem?
• Discuss how the use of specific language and imagery influences the reader's emotional response and understanding of the poem.

Continuing with Emily Dickinson’s “Because I could not stop for Death,” let’s analyze the use of imagery:

Language and imagery analysis example

Lines chosen for analysis

Discuss themes in body paragraphs

Exploring themes helps you grasp the deeper meaning of the poem and connect it to broader human experiences. Understanding the themes allows you to uncover what the poet is attempting to convey and how the poem relates to readers on a universal level.

In this step, you will likely dedicate multiple body paragraphs to the analysis of various aspects of language and imagery. Each body paragraph should focus on a specific literary device, phrase, or aspect of language and imagery.

Here’s how you can structure the body paragraphs.

Poetry essay body paragraphs example

Body Paragraph 1: Identify and Explain Literary Devices

Body Paragraph 2: Context and Interaction with Themes

Body Paragraph 3: Reader's emotional response and understanding

Provide evidence from the poem

Providing evidence involves quoting specific lines or stanzas from the poem to support the points you’re making in your analysis. These quotes serve as concrete examples that demonstrate how the poet uses language, imagery, or literary devices to convey specific meanings or emotions.

• Select lines or stanzas from the poem that directly relate to the point you're making in your analysis.
• Introduce each quote with context, explaining the significance of the lines and how they contribute to your analysis.
• Use quotation marks to indicate that you're using the poet's language.
• After providing the quote, interpret its meaning. Explain how the language, imagery, or devices used in the quoted lines contribute to your analysis.

Providing evidence example

In your essay, you should include several quotes and interpret them to reinforce your points. Quoting specific lines from the poem allows you to showcase the poet’s language while demonstrating how these lines contribute to the poem’s overall expression.

Write a conclusion

Conclusion paragraph is the last sentence of your poem analysis essay. It reinforces your thesis statement and emphasizes your insights.

Additionally, the conclusion offers a chance to provide a final thought that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. In your conclusion, make sure to:

• Start by rephrasing your thesis statement. Remind the reader of the main argument you've made in your essay.
• Provide a concise summary of the main points. Avoid introducing new information; focus on the key ideas.
• Discuss the broader significance or implications. How does the poem's message relate to readers beyond its specific context?
• End with a thoughtful reflection, observation, or question that leaves the reader with something to ponder.

Poetry essay conclusion example

In your essay, the conclusion serves as a final opportunity to leave a strong impression on the reader by summarizing your analysis and offering insights into the poem’s broader significance.

Now, it’s time to double check what you’ve written.

Proofread and revise your essay

Edit your essay for clarity, coherence, tense selection , correct headings , etc. Ensure that your ideas flow logically and your analysis is well-supported. Remember, a poetry essay is an opportunity to delve into the nuances of a poem’s language, themes, and emotions.

• Review each paragraph to ensure ideas flow logically from one to the next.
• Check for grammar and punctuation errors.
• Verify that your evidence from the poem is accurately quoted and explained.
• Make sure your language is clear and effectively conveys your analysis.

By proofreading and revising, you can refine your essay, improving its readability and ensuring that your insights are communicated accurately.

So this was the last part, you’re now ready to write your first poem analysis (poetry) essay. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should i include in the introduction of a poetry essay.

In the introduction, provide background information about the poem and poet. Include the poem’s title, publication date, and any relevant context that helps readers understand its significance.

Can I include my emotional responses in a poetry essay?

Yes, you can discuss your emotional responses, but ensure they are supported by your analysis of the poem’s literary elements. Avoid focusing solely on personal feelings.

Is it important to understand the poet's background when writing a poetry essay?

While it can provide context, your focus should be on analyzing the poem itself. If the poet’s background is relevant to the poem’s interpretation, mention it briefly.

What's the best way to conclude a poetry essay?

In the conclusion, summarize your main points and tie them together. Offer insights into the poem’s broader significance, implications, or lasting impact.

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Poetry Analysis Essay for Everyone

• Essay Writing Guides

This guide aims to provide readers with the tools and insights needed to undertake an upscale poetry analysis confidently. It demystifies the complexities of poetry analysis, making it more approachable and empowering individuals to articulate their interpretations effectively. The guide is designed to elevate analytical skills and provide practical tips to navigate the intricacies of poetry analysis.

It aims to be a companion on the journey towards crafting an impactful poem analysis essay and instilling a lasting appreciation for the art of poetry. Successful engagement with examples of poetry analysis essays sharpens analytical abilities and deepens understanding of the complexities of artistic expression.

Prepare for Writing an Essay on Poetry Analysis

To choose a poem for a poetry analysis essay, consider personal connections, complexity, depth, and cultural and historical context. Analyze poems by reading various poems, considering length and form, and choosing from diverse poets to broaden your understanding of different voices, styles, and cultural perspectives.

Research the poet’s background by researching their biography, understanding their influences, and identifying their motivations for writing. Explore their literary, cultural, and philosophical influences and their motivations for writing, such as personal experiences, social commentary, or language experimentation.

Explore the poet’s style and themes by reading various works, examining the overarching themes that characterize their body of work, and noting stylistic elements. Pay attention to the poet’s use of language, tone, and poetic devices to gain a more nuanced analysis of the selected poem.

By carefully selecting a poem and immersing yourself in the poet’s background and work, you can create a comprehensive and insightful poetry analysis essay. This initial preparation allows for a more nuanced understanding of the poet’s intentions and sets the stage for a thoughtful exploration of the chosen literary work.

What Is a Poetry Analysis Essay – Key Details

Analyzing poetry is a transformative process that reveals layers of meaning, enhances critical thinking skills, connects with emotions and expression, develops language appreciation, explores cultural and historical context, and encourages personal reflection. Poetry often encapsulates multiple layers of meaning, requiring careful analysis to uncover hidden nuances and subtle messages. Delving into the intricacies of metaphor, symbolism, and imagery enables readers to uncover the depth and complexity beneath a poem’s surface.

Cultivating critical thinking skills involves questioning and interpreting the poet’s intentions, choices, and broader cultural or historical context. This process encourages a more discerning and thoughtful approach to literature, fostering a habit of critical inquiry applicable to various aspects of life.

Connecting with emotions and expression is another benefit of poetry analysis essays. Examining the poet’s use of language, tone, and rhythm facilitates a deeper understanding of the emotional landscape, allowing readers to empathize with the human experience portrayed.

Breaking Down the Poem

Breaking down a poem involves examining its layers, uncovering hidden meanings, literary devices, and structural nuances. This process begins with summarizing the poem by identifying key events or turning points, highlighting shifts in tone, mood, or perspective, and condensing the narrative into a brief yet comprehensive overview.

The central theme is crucial in understanding the intended message of the poetry analysis essay examples, as it goes beyond a surface-level understanding. It involves identifying recurring symbols, motifs, or images, considering the emotional and intellectual impact of the poem, and formulating a concise statement encapsulating the central theme.

Literary devices like symbolism, metaphors, and similes are essential for crafting rich and layered imagery, and their use is crucial in unraveling deeper meanings. Identifying instances where these devices are employed and discussing their symbolic meanings is essential in understanding the overall tone and message.

The structural elements of a poem, including stanzas, rhyme scheme, and overall organization, play a significant role in shaping the reader’s experience. Analyzing these elements provides insights into the poet’s intentional choices, and understanding the poem’s rhythm and meter allows for a deeper appreciation of its intended cadence.

Breaking down a poem is a meticulous process that needs a keen eye for detail and an appreciation for the nuances of language. By approaching each element systematically, readers can unlock the poet’s craftsmanship and immerse themselves in a more profound understanding of the literary work.

How to Start a Poetry Analysis Essay: Best Tips

A strong thesis statement is crucial in poetry analysis as it is the linchpin, anchoring the entire essay. It articulates the main point and the essence of the poet’s work and the insights derived from the analysis. A strong thesis guides the reader, establishes analytical intentions, and creates coherence throughout the poem analysis essay.

Formulating a powerful thesis requires a thoughtful approach beyond a mere summary. The steps to crafting an impactful thesis statement include identifying central themes, highlighting literary devices, considering structural elements, and expressing a unique perspective.

The thesis statement should synthesize key elements identified during the poem analysis, succinctly encapsulating the poet’s intentions, significant themes, and literary devices contributing to the poem’s richness. By incorporating these elements, the thesis becomes a focal point that propels the poetry analysis essay into a nuanced exploration of the poet’s craft.

In subsequent sections of the poem analysis essay, each paragraph should align with and contribute to the overarching thesis, thoroughly examining the elements previewed in this critical statement. A well-crafted thesis statement becomes the cornerstone for a compelling and insightful exploration of the chosen poetic work.

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How to Write a Poetry Analysis Essay Body

The essay’s body should be organized logically, with paragraphs starting with a topic sentence introducing the main idea. The theme-based organization should allow in-depth exploration of specific themes or literary devices. Depending on the poem’s nature, chronological or structural order should be discussed. Transition sentences should guide the reader smoothly from one paragraph to the next, creating a cohesive narrative. Cohesion should be maintained by highlighting connections between paragraphs.

Providing textual evidence is crucial, with quotes and relevant lines chosen to support the points. Key passages should be selected, focusing on quotes that encapsulate the essence of the theme or illustrate the effective use of a literary device. An in-depth analysis of quotes should accompany each quote, explaining their significance in relation to the thesis and how they contribute to the poem’s overall meaning and the poet’s artistic intent.

Interpreting quotes within the analysis should establish the connection between quoted lines and the overarching themes or ideas discussed in the poem analysis essay. Analyzing the use of literary devices within the quoted lines, illustrating how they enhance the poem’s impact, and discussing the poet’s choice of language, imagery, or symbolism evident in the selected quotes is essential.

In conclusion, meticulous organization and the incorporation of textual evidence are paramount in developing the essay’s body. By structuring paragraphs effectively and providing insightful quotes with thorough analysis, the essay creates a robust foundation for presenting a nuanced interpretation of the poem.

How to Write a Conclusion

To write a compelling conclusion for an upscale poetry analysis essay, follow these steps:

• Summarize the Key Points: Identify core themes explored throughout the essay, aligning with the central argument presented in the thesis.
• Recap Literary Devices and Structural Elements: Summarize the literary devices and structural elements discussed in the essay’s body and provide a concise overview of their impact on the poem.
• Highlight Significant Observations: Showcase the most significant observations or insights from the analysis, revisiting key moments contributing to a deeper understanding of the poet’s work.
• Restate the Thesis: Restate the thesis statement, ensuring it is presented slightly nuancedly.
• Connect to the Analysis: Illustrate how each section of the essay has contributed to supporting and expanding the thesis.
• Emphasize the Personal Contribution to the Analysis: Reflect on personal insights or realizations that emerged during the analysis process, express a connection with the poem, and encourage further exploration.
• End with a Thoughtful Closing Statement and Echo the Poem’s Significance: End with a thoughtful statement that echoes the poem’s significance, reflecting on the enduring power of poetry or a final commentary on the impact of the poet’s work.
• Leave a Lasting Impression: Craft a conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on the reader, aiming for closure while inviting further contemplation.

In conclusion, a well-crafted conclusion ties together the threads of your analysis, leaving the reader with a sense of fulfillment and a deeper appreciation for the poem.

The Role of a Poetry Analysis Essay Outline

The poetry analysis essay outline includes an introduction, thesis statement, poem overview, detailed analysis, themes and motifs, thesis development, body paragraphs, critical perspectives, and conclusion. The introduction concisely introduces the poem, outlining its title, poet, and initial thoughts or emotions. The thesis statement serves as the guiding thread throughout the essay, offering readers insight into the focal point of the exploration. The poem overview includes the title, poet’s name, publication date, historical context, initial impressions and emotions, and a detailed analysis of structural elements, literary devices, themes, tone, and mood. The thesis development involves the following:

• Revisiting the initial thesis;
• Incorporating insights from the detailed analysis;
• Refining the thesis for coherence.

Body paragraphs focus on distinct elements, with topic sentences introducing main points, supporting evidence through quotations, and analysis and interpretation of quotes. Critical perspectives include researching scholarly opinions, incorporating different interpretations, and balancing external perspectives with personal insights. The conclusion summarizes vital points, restates the thesis, and concludes with thoughts on the poem’s significance. Revision and proofreading are essential for clarity, coherence, and consistency. The essay concludes with a closing statement on the poem’s lasting impact.

Revision and Proofreading

Revision and proofreading are crucial steps in writing, particularly for a poetry analysis essay. They allow for refining the analytical process, enhancing clarity and precision, and addressing structural issues. It is essential to ensure a logical progression from one point to the next during revision, maintaining a coherent and organized flow.

Checking for coherence and consistency is crucial, with a logical flow between paragraphs, consistent argumentation, thematic consistency, smooth transitions, and proofreading for grammar and style. It involves thorough proofreading for grammar and syntax errors, checking for consistent verb tenses throughout essays on poem, reviewing punctuation and mechanical elements, maintaining a consistent writing style and tone, and eliminating redundancy.

Revision and proofreading are the final layers of refinement in the writing process, ensuring your analysis is insightful and presented with clarity, coherence, and a polished style. These meticulous steps contribute to the overall effectiveness of your analytical essay on poetry.

In summary, revision and proofreading are essential steps in writing, allowing for refining thoughts and interpretations and deepening the overall analysis. You can create a more engaging analysis by addressing structural issues, ensuring a logical flow between paragraphs, consistency in argumentation, and smooth transitions.

Additional Tips and Resources

This text provides additional tips and resources for poetry analysis essays. It suggests exploring similar poets, diversifying genres and periods, engaging with anthologies, and using online resources such as literary journals, educational platforms, and online literary forums.

Recommended readings include exploring reputable literary journals and magazines that publish poetry analysis, critiques, and reviews. Educational platforms like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy offer courses or lectures on poetry analysis, while online literary forums provide spaces for readers and scholars to discuss and analyze poetry.

Tips for effective peer review include:

• Providing constructive feedback;
• Focusing on critical elements;
• Considering alternative interpretations;
• Ensuring clarity and coherence;
• Encouraging revision.

These tips help enhance analytical skills, broaden literary horizons, and provide valuable insights from both scholarly and peer perspectives.

Incorporating these additional tips and resources into your poetry analysis essay journey can enhance analytical skills, broaden your literary horizons, and provide valuable insights from both scholarly and peer perspectives. Remember that exploring poetry is a continual process of learning and discovery. Following these recommendations can write poetry analysis essay of exceptional quality, broaden your literary horizons, and gain valuable insights from scholarly and peer perspectives.

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How to Write a Poetry Analysis Essay: Template, Topic, Sample

Poetry analysis is simply the process of reviewing the multiple artistic, functional, and structural pieces that make up a poem. Normally, this review is conducted and recorded within an analytical essay . This type of essay writing requires one to take a deeper look at both the choices that a poet made and the effects of those choices. In essence, these essays require an in-depth analysis of all parts that were used to form a work of poetry. Read the details from our essay writing service .

What Is A Poetry Analysis?

From an academic literary point of view, knowing the steps to follow to understand how to analyze poetry is essential. All kinds of jobs are usually found on the Internet, from relatively informal web articles to pedagogical documents in indexed journals. All of them typically coincide on one point: poems are a type of lyrical expression structured in verses. From that we can derive what a poem analysis essay should be about.

Therefore, when you have chosen a poem to analyze, it is crucial to review definitions such as stanza, lyrical object, rhyme, synalepha, syneresis, among others. In this way, poems can be classified, interpreted, and "measured." Of course, without pretending to form unanimous criteria, since a stylized narrative emerged from inspiration always has a tremendous subjective load for whoever reads it. A good poem analysis essay or any poetry analysis in general leaves some room for interpretation. It's better not to deal in absolutes which you can see in all poem analysis essay examples.

Poetry Analysis Essay Subject Matter

The final element to writing a poetry analysis essay is a part of the composition dedicated to the poems subject matter. This can be analyzed during the reader’s quest to determine the theme, tone, mood, and poems meaning. The subject matter – and the thematic elements that support the intended message behind the subject – is often an interpretive minefield. Often, people have different ideas about what a poet is trying to say by their use of a subject, so unless the message is implicitly stated, it is best to state multiple possibilities about what the poet may have meant and included evidence for these theories. As the essay is to be an analysis, opinions are to be avoided in favor of facts and conjectures that are backed by evidence from work.

How To Choose A Topic For A Poem Analysis Essay?

A great way to choose a topic for these type of assignments is to decide on a topic that would deal with information that one is already familiar with. For example, if the choice of the poem to analyze is up to the writer, then it may be beneficial for the writer to choose a poem that he/she has encountered before. If the choice is to be made between different subject areas within a poem, then the writer could find it easier to choose to focus on writing about an area that plays to his/her strengths, so that the statements made in the essay are conveyed clearly and confidently. Such assignments may seem like a daunting writing experience at first, but if the topic, outline, and paper are composed following the steps above, the essay should turn out very well.

The analysis essay is a challenging type of assignment. Your task is not to retell poetry in prose because a lyric poem is not a transposition of some prosaic intention. Still, while embodying a particular poetic state of the artist and analyzing the lyrics, you should also be able to "enter" a similar condition. To interpret in a poem analysis essay a work means to approach the author’s intention. This can be done by following the path of the so-called "slow reading" – from the first verse to the last, considering each line of poetry, its content and form, sound, images, the logic of development of the author’s feeling or thought as a step towards solving the author’s idea.

How To Write A Poetry Analysis Essay?

In order to compose a poetry analysis essay, one must first read the poem carefully. This reading allows one to become familiar with the poem helping produce a strong literary analysis essay . It is also an opportunity to make note of the rhyme scheme (if there is one), the type of poem (limerick, ode, sonnet, lyric, haiku, free verse, etc.) and other poetic techniques that the poet used (such as enjambment, meter, end-stopped lines, figurative language, etc.). All of those elements in the poem are essential to know when one is writing such an essay because they are a part of the poem’s structure and can affect the content. It is not a bad idea to read up on these poetic terms before writing an essay, since being knowledgeable about a subject can allow one to assume a more confident tone when composing a literary analysis essay on that topic. By following the guidelines provided in this blog you will not be wondering how to write a poetry analysis assignment any longer. It is also important to follow the poem analysis essay structure. It's not paramount but it will make your poem analysis essay writing much easier.

Poetry Analysis Essay Outline

An outline for a poetry analysis essay can be very simple, as it is just a guideline for the writer to build upon as the first draft is written. When starting your introductions it would probably be best to put the essays title at the top of a page, then place a Roman numeral one (I) underneath, preceding the word "introduction." Under this, one can list brainstormed ideas for the introductory paragraph. The final portion of your poem analysis essay introduction should be dedicated to the papers thesis statement.  Following the completion of that portion of the outline, one can move on to the body paragraphs of your example. Each of the Roman numerals used to label this part should denote a different subject area in respect to the poem that will be discussed in the essay. Letters under these numerals may be followed by subtopics within each subject area that are to be dealt within individual paragraphs (or sentences, if it is to be a shorter essay) within the body of the paper. At this point you are almost done with your poem analysis essay outline.

Introduction

It is necessary to add a poem’s title and author in the introduction to poetry essays. Other information, such as the date of printing, may be used. You can also include the poem’s or author’s additional details, as well as interesting facts or trivia.

Body Of Text

How to analysis poetry? When composing the main body of text, bear in mind that you must reference all the poem concepts, so add a quote to support the sentence; otherwise, the analogy would be a waste of time and will not be counted. Your comments must be explicit.

Now is the time to stand back from examining the poem’s elements and find out the poem’s general significance. It is bringing together the various aspects of the study into one key concept when writing about poetry.

What is the poet’s message, and how is it expressed, and with what emotion?

Then understand the context and how this evolves.

Is it clear from the outset, or does it progressively change as the story progresses? The last few lines of a poem can be significant, so they should be included in the poem review essay conclusion and discussed in terms of their influence on the work.

How To Analyze A Poem?

So how to analyze a poem? Commenting on a text is a way to verify what the author said and how he transmitted it, relating both concepts. You have to observe the connotations and the implicit meanings, interconnecting them with precise ideas. It is a moment when the reader establishes affinity with the text he reads, exposing his aesthetic sensitivity, articulating what the author said, the way he did it, with his subjectivity of those who analyze and comment.

When you analyze poem, the text must be coherent, resulting from the articulation of all aspects to be dealt with in the different analysis plans. Citations must appear in quotation marks. When it is not necessary to quote a complete verse or a complete sentence, you must use the sign [...] at the place where the transcription is interrupted. When it is desired to quote more than one verse, and that quote follows precisely the order of the analyzed poem, the respective verses must be separated using an oblique bar.

This is an essential step. Analyzing a poem, you need to understand the central message; the author’s primary emotion is trying to share with the poem’s recipient.

So now you can pay attention to the poet and see what information you can learn from them. Is it easy to get the speaker’s gender or age? Were there any racial or theological allusions to be found? Can we really tell whether the speaker is expressing their opinions and suggestions to the reader directly? If not, who is the poet’s character who is conveying the thoughts or messages? Your essay on poetry must include all the vital answers.

When you’ve figured out who or what the poem is about, you should go on to who or what the poem is about. Can the meaning of the poem be seen; what does the author expect from the audience? It’s pretty likely that the poet merely makes a comment or expresses themselves without expecting a reaction from the crowd.

A poem about March, for example, might be a cheerful declaration that winter is over. At the same time, it could be an intention to get somebody’s focus.

The analysis of poetic language is the most challenging part of the whole poetry essay. It has multiple openings, and the resources are very varied, so it is necessary to analyze the elements and assign them significant values.

Presenting a list of worthless poetic elements is not of great interest to the commentary of the poem. Analyzing poems, better share your images of what’s related to the topic.

Poetic Techniques

To analyse a poem successfully, you should remember the technical part of the task. If the poem has many metaphors, repetitions, or alliterations, it is in your best interests to highlight the emotional representation and expressiveness of the work you are interpreting. But don’t limit yourself to defining the style figures (for example, alliteration is the repetition of phonemes); this does not matter for the essay.

Technical Poetry Analysis Worksheet

After covering the technical aspects of a poem, it is best to learn about the poem's background. This means that one may find it beneficial to look up the poet, the date that the poem was written, and the cultural context surrounding the work. All of that information typically permits the reader a better understanding of the poem, and it seems self-explanatory that one who has an enhanced comprehension of the poem would have an easier time conducting an analysis of that poem.

Poetry Analysis Essay Tips

If you want to analyse poetry successfully, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Read the poem at least twice. This poetic analysis tip is general and applies to all text types: always read the text two times minimum. Read, in fact, as many times as necessary to understand poetry. We miss some critical points by doing just one reading, especially in poetry that expresses personal information.
• Identify the figures of speech. Another critical step is to pay attention to the figures of speech – this is precisely where you will find some information implied in the text. Pay attention to metaphors, antitheses, or any other model of speech that appears in the poem.
• Don’t let your opinion interfere with the interpretation. Precisely because it is a text with a lot of subjectivity, do not let your idea and conception of a specific theme interfere with the understanding of poetry. Always read neutrally concerning the poet’s point of view, without prejudice about the subject matter.
• Get to know the authors’ lives briefly. If you do this, you will have complementary information that will help you to interpret the poetry.
• Keep the habit of reading and try to analyze poems. Finally, keep the poetry reading habit. Reading is one of the most natural ways to get intimate with the language and its particularities.

Poetry Analysis Essay Template

1. Author and title of the poem .

2. Style : romanticism, realism, symbolism, Acmeism, sentimentalism, avant-garde, futurism, modernism, etc.

3. Genre : epigram, epitaph, elegy, ode, poem, ballad, novel in verse, song, sonnet, dedication poem, etc.

4. The history of the poem’s creation (when it was written, for what reason, to whom it was dedicated). How important is this exact poem in the poet’s biography.

5. Theme, idea, main idea .

6. The poet’s vocabulary (everyday, colloquial; bookish, neutral, journalistic).

7. Composition of the work .

- Analyze the micro-theme of each stanza. Highlight the main parts of the poetic work, show their connection (= determine the emotional drawing of the poem);

8. Description of a lyrical hero .

9. Your impressions of the work .

Poetry Analysis Essay Example

A good poem analysis essay example is an essential factor that can help you understand how to write an evaluative poetry essay. The poetry essay aims to test the ability to perceive and interpret the problems and artistic merits of the studied and independently read literary works, using the information obtained in studying the subject on the theory and history of literature. Let’s have a look at the analysis essay example of two poems.

The poem’s problem is an essential part of the poem structure and is determined by the formulation of the question in the text or the work’s subtext. This aspect of poetic work is not generally different from other literature types: the social and ethical questions are asked by the poets, and they also respond to "eternal" philosophical questions.

A poetry analysis worksheet can also be a specific set of parameters that the instructor has asked you to examine the work from. In this scenario, it is important to create a structure that will highlight the given set of instructions. An example of such a task would be "The Tyger" by William Blake. In this poem, one can examine it from the initial emerging theme examining the process of a tiger’s creation and unavoidably its end. This context lets us understand that no power other than God himself could create something as beautiful and terrifying as the tiger. However, some literary analysis essays will require you to adopt different interpretations of this subject matter. Some often compared the beauty and fear inspired by the tiger to the industrial revolution and new machinery being built at the time when Blake wrote this poem.

Another version of a poem background is that Blake explores the coexistence of good and evil and asks about the source of their existence, wondering how one creator could create both beauty and horror. Modern readers can resonate with this poem easily because the questions asked there are essential.

Sun Of The Sleepless

The author of the poem, George Byron («Sun of the Sleepless» taken as our poetry essay example), was born on January 22, 1788, in London into a titled but low-income family. The first education, from the biography of Byron, was received at a private school. Then he began to study at the classical gymnasium, the school of Dr. Gleni (there was a great desire for reading), the Harrow school. Byron wrote several poems in this school.

Metaphor is one of the linguistic, stylistic devices most often found in Byron’s lyrics; many of them indicate the poet’s peculiar style. In verse, the star illuminates the darkness that it cannot dispel. The meaning of Byron’s image: not hopelessness and bitterness of reproach, but the thought that the memory of happiness does not save, but even more "painfully" highlights the darkness.

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Poetry Analysis Essay: How to Become a Pro at It?

Table Of Contents

Poetry analysis essay: an insight into it.

• How to Write a Poetry Analysis Essay? [X Steps]

How to Analyze a Poem & Write About It in Essay?

2 poem analysis examples for college students, who can provide poetry essay help to me “we can”.

There are mountains and valleys far somewhere,

And there are clouds and rain that seem so near,

I feel mixed emotions like a smile on my face or a silent tear,

Every time I think of the God who created all this, and I fear ,

From h ow could He do so much and all we return is more pain to b ear…

This simple poem has an in-depth meaning that can or cannot be understood by all. But usually, when students are studying Literature, they come across some tasks such as poetry analysis essay writing where they are needed to read the write-ups, understand the essence and then conduct an in-depth analysis and write an essay based on it. But if you are new to this concept and have no idea what this is all about, then keep reading this blog for more details!

The simple 3-word term- Poetry Analysis Essay is a piece of writing that students, especially those from a Literature background, are asked to write and submit to the professor to get their degree. It includes:

• Critically review a poem
• Reflecting on the poem’s depth
• Presents the subject of the poem
• Introduces the theme and tone
• Explains the poet’s feelings and perspective

More to this contributes to finally presenting one's understanding of a poem in the form of an essay. Wondering how to write one? Read the below section!

How to Write a Poetry Analysis Essay? [3 Steps]

If you are planning to write a poetry analysis essay, then simply follow the three-step process suggested by the best cheap essay writing service  . Assignment Prime:

Step 1: Choose a Topic

The first step of writing an impressive essay is choosing a topic of your interest. This is crucial because if you make any mistake here, you will get in trouble. So, to help you make this step an easy-going process, here are a few examples:

• Features of Prose
• Sylvia Plath’s Poetry
• Shakespeare’s Sonnets
• Brief on Japanese Haiku
• Relation of Poetry & Feminism

Step 2: Prepare an Outline

The second step of this process is to prepare an outline of the essay to have a clear path to follow. This will thus help you keep away from any distractions that can impact the essay. Here's the ideal outline you should follow:

• Introduction: In this section, you give a brief on the poem's title and introduce the poet.
• Body: This section is for the actual analysis, references, and supporting evidence on the whole poem.
• Conclusion: In this section, you summarize your analysis and mention the key points.

Step 3: Write the Essay

Now that you have a clear title and a set outline to follow, here you start the actual writing process. It includes:

• Read & Analyse the Poem

Begin with reading the whole poem multiple times to understand what the poet is trying to convey through this poem to the audience. Then, analyze the poem from multiple perspectives to get the best and satisfactory outcome.

• Write It Using Simple Language

Once you get what you want from that poem, it's time to present your understanding of that poem to readers. So, go for a simple and easy-to-understand language that can clearly convey your perspective to the audience without any hassle.

• Edit and Proofread It Before Submission

This is the final stage where you go through your essay one last time for errors before submission. The mistakes can be spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, typos, and so on, which hamper the actual meaning of the sentences.

A student should follow three simple steps when drafting a poetry analysis essay. If you are new here and have no idea how to analyze a poem, read the below section to know in detail!

You need to analyze a poem closely and in-depth when writing an essay on it. And while doing that, you need to follow the below-mentioned steps:

Step 1: What Are the Things You Need to Consider for Analyzing a Poem?

• What is the theme of the poetry?
• What language is used in the poem?
• What sound & rhythm are followed in it?
• What is the final framework used in the poem?
• What is the actual context of the poem?

Step 2: What Are the Steps You Need to Follow When Analyzing a Poem?

When you are drafting an analysis on any poem, then you should make sure to follow these simple steps:

• Read the Poem - The first step in this process is to read the poem. Do this multiple times to get better at it every time and get a clear understanding.
• Understand the Title - Often, students ignore this but focus on the title and what it is trying to convey to the audience.
• Know the Speaker - A very important step is to know the speaker and look into his previous works to better understand his thinking and perspective.
• Observe Mood & Tone - It is important to understand the tone of the poem and explain the mood set for this piece of writing.
• Get the Poem Theme - See the big picture and understand the actual theme of this poem.

Step 3: What to Include in Which Section When Writing a Poetry Analysis?

Since you have all the information about the subject and theme ready, it's time you write the essay, and for the same, you need to know which section of the essay should include what information. So, here's everything about it:

• Introduction - You provide a brief of the poem, poet, and theme in the essay's introduction section.
• About the Poem - You include the poem like theme, mood, tone, similes used, and other details in the first section and provide evidence of the same in the second section of the body part in an essay.
• About the Poet - You can include some basic details of the poet, like his name, previous works, his perspective, approach, etc., in the third section of the essay.
• Your Understanding - You can dedicate one last section of the essay to understanding the poem and the poet. This is to present your genuine opinion.
• Take-Away - The conclusion of your essay highlights key points and includes any takeaway from the whole poem for the reader.

These are the three simple steps to analyze a poem for writing a poetry analysis essay. If you are still facing any trouble or doubts, go through the examples mentioned in the below section!

If you are a college-going student who is asked to draft an analysis essay on poetry, then you would be wondering what to do and how to write one, right? In that case, read this blog while considering the poem analysis example ideas below, and you will get a clear picture of the whole process that can help you!

• “Bean Eaters” by Gwendolyn Brooks

• “The Mother” by Gwendolyn Brooks

These are the two top examples that you can refer to whenever you are in need of motivation. But if you are still facing any issue or running out of time, you can seek experts' help online; surprised? Wondering who can help you? Read below!

One common query of students when it comes to a poetry analysis essay is, "Who will provide essay help if I get stuck?" If you also have a similar query or are struggling with a similar thing, turn to Assignment Prime's subject experts. We have a professional team with years of experience who deliver top-notch quality work. Our writers, researchers, editors, proofreaders, and quality analysts deliver flawless and plagiarism-free work right on time and at the most affordable prices.

We understand the struggles of students, thus to help them, we provide amazing discounts, exciting offers, and interesting freebies like free title selection, free reference page, free editing and proofreading, free Plagiarism report, and so on. So, what are you waiting for? Reach out to our experts at the earliest to not miss any amazing offers and get the best quality essay delivered to you. All the best!

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Poetry Essay | Ultimate Guide to Writing a Poetry Analysis Essay

Mar 23, 2024 | 0 comments

Mar 23, 2024 | Blog | 0 comments

Poetry can evoke emotions, challenge perceptions, and connect us to the human experience in profound ways. One effective way to deepen our understanding and appreciation of poetry is through writing a poetry analysis essay. This type of essay requires a close examination and interpretation of a poem, exploring its themes, imagery, structure, and language to uncover the underlying meaning and impact of the poet’s work. In this poetry essay guide, we will delve into the key steps and techniques for writing a successful poetry analysis essay. From selecting a poem to analyzing its elements and crafting a compelling thesis, we will provide you with the tools and insights needed to engage with poetry and share your interpretation with readers effectively. Join us on this journey of exploring the beauty and complexity of poetic expression through the art of the poetry analysis essay. 

The basics of poetry analysis

Definition of poetry .

Poetry is a diverse form of literary art that uses concentrated, imaginative language to convey emotions, ideas, or narratives. It explores the human experience through creative expression, often using figurative language, symbolism, and carefully crafted sound devices.

Elements of poetry to consider in analysis 

When analyzing a poem, there are several key elements to examine:

Theme – The central idea, message, or insight the poem explores

Tone – The attitude or emotion projected by the poet toward the subject

Diction – The specific word choices used and their denotations/connotations

Imagery – The vivid sensory details that appeal to the five senses

Figurative Language – Metaphors, similes, symbols, personification, etc. 

Sound Devices – Rhyme, rhythm, meter, alliteration, assonance, etc. Speaker – The voice and perspective through which the poem is narrated

Structure – The organization of lines, stanzas, and verse forms like sonnets

Syntax – How phrases, clauses, and sentences are arranged

Historical/Cultural Context – The poem’s relationship to its period

Different types of poetry 

Lyric – Expresses personal emotions and observations

Narrative – Tells a story, has characters and plot

Epic – Long, heroic narrative poems celebrating legendary events

Sonnet – 14 lines with varying rhyme schemes like Shakespearean, Petrarchan

Haiku – 3 lines of 5-7-5 syllables, focused on nature

Free Verse – No set rhyme, rhythm, or structural requirements

Concrete – Words arranged in a visual shape or design

How to Choose a Topic for a Poetry Analysis Essay?

Selecting an engaging and meaningful topic is crucial for crafting an insightful poetry analysis essay. Here’s a brief guide on how to choose a compelling topic that will allow you to dive deep into the poem’s complexities and effectively convey your understanding.

• Read widely and choose a poem that resonates with you. A poem you find thought-provoking, emotionally moving, or intellectually stimulating will make the analysis process more rewarding. Poetry is a form that demands emotional investment from both the writer and the reader.
• Consider the poem’s theme or subject matter. Poems that explore universal human experiences like love, loss, identity, or the natural world often provide fertile ground for analysis. However, don’t disregard poems touching on niche topics – an unconventional theme can lead to an original perspective.
• Examine the poetic devices and techniques the author employs. A poem rich in figurative language, unique structure, vivid imagery, or symbolism will give you ample material to unpack and analyze in your essay. The prospect of delving into the poet’s craft can shape an engaging topic.
• For academic essays, refer to the criteria provided by your instructor. They may suggest certain eras, authors, or poetic forms to focus on based on the course curriculum or preferences. Following guidelines ensure your topic meets the requirements.
• Research the poet’s background and the poem’s historical/cultural context. Sometimes biographical details or the period’s literary movements can inspire intriguing topic angles exploring how these elements influenced the poem.
• Compare and contrast plural poems in one essay. Identifying an interesting parallel, opposition, or dialogue between two works can lead to a compelling comparative analysis topic examining their stylistic or thematic links.
• Trust your instincts if a particular poem line, image, or turn of phrase deeply moves or provokes you. Pursuing the personal response can yield an honest, impassioned analysis filled with fresh insights into the poem’s impact.

Steps to writing a poetry analysis essay

Before you start analyzing poems, you may also want to check out our article on “ How to Write a Character Analysis Essay ” for tips on analyzing works of literature from a different angle.

Step 1: How to Choose a Poem for Analysis?

Selecting the right poem is a crucial first step in writing an effective poetry analysis essay. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a poem to analyze:

• Choose a poem that piques your interest, evokes an emotional response, or resonates with you in some way. Your genuine engagement with the poem will shine through in your analysis.
• Look for a poem with layers of meaning, rich imagery, and effective use of literary devices. Simple, straightforward poems may not provide enough material for an in-depth analysis.
• Complex poems often explore profound themes, employ intricate symbolism, or experiment with unique structures.
• If you are writing for a class assignment, your instructor may provide a list of approved poems or specify criteria for your selection.
• Make sure your chosen poem meets the assignment guidelines regarding length, era, style, or other specifications.
• Choosing a well-known or canonical poem can be beneficial, as there may be existing scholarly analysis and criticism to reference.
• However, don’t shy away from lesser-known or contemporary poems if they resonate with you.
• Consider selecting a poem that relates to your personal experiences, cultural background, or areas of interest.
• This personal connection can provide deeper insight and a unique perspective for your analysis.

For a closer look at breaking down and evaluating works of literature, you may also want to check out our article on “ How to Write a Critical Analysis Essay .”

Step 2: Close reading and annotating the poem

To write an insightful poem analysis essay, you must closely read and carefully analyze the poem. Here are some key steps:

• Read the poem multiple times, out loud if possible. Poetry is meant to be heard as well as seen on the page.
• Figures of speech (metaphor, simile, personification, etc.)
• Imagery and symbolic language
• Sound devices (rhyme, alliteration, assonance, etc.)
• Repeated words, phrases, or structural elements
• Shifts in tone, voice, or rhythm
• Unfamiliar words to define later
• Identify the core poetic techniques the author uses throughout. Make notes on how techniques like imagery, metaphor, and sound devices contribute to the poem’s meaning.
• Determine the poem’s structure – lines per stanza, rhyme scheme, meter, etc. Understand how the structure shapes the poem.
• Note your initial impressions, questions, and reactions as you read. What ideas, emotions, or images stand out?
• If writing about two poems, do a close reading of each, noting similarities and differences to analyze.
• Research the poem’s background – when it was written, the author’s life, and historical context. This can provide insights.
• Create a poem analysis essay outline to organize your reading observations into a coherent argument supported by evidence from the text.

Step 3: Identifying the poem’s theme and message

After closely reading and annotating the poem, the next crucial step is to identify its central theme or message. This will become the foundation for your thesis statement and analysis in the poem analysis essay.

• Determine the overarching idea or insight the poem explores. What is the poet trying to communicate about the human condition, nature, love, grief, or other profound topics?
• Consider the poet’s purpose or motivation for writing this particular poem. What inspired them to write about this theme or subject matter?
• Analyze how the poet develops and reinforces the theme through their use of poetic techniques like imagery, symbolism, metaphor, and tone.
• Look for recurring motifs, phrases, or images that represent the central idea. The poem’s title can also provide clues about the theme.
• If writing about two poems, identify similarities and differences in their themes to potentially analyze how the poets approach a shared concept.
• Develop a clear, specific thesis statement that encapsulates your interpretation of the poem’s primary theme or message. This will be the central argument you support throughout your essay.
• Use examples from the poem itself – quotes, Details about devices – to back up your understanding of the poem’s deeper meaning and themes.

Step 4: Analyzing the poem’s structure and form

After identifying the central theme, you need to analyze how the poem’s structure and form contribute to its meaning. This is a key component of a strong poetry essay.

• Examine the overall structure – the number of lines, stanzas, and organization of the poem. Discuss patterns you notice.
• Identify the specific poetic form the poem follows – sonnet, villanelle, haiku, free verse, etc. Each form has rules and conventions to analyze.
• Look at the lines of the poem closely. Discuss the length, meter, and rhythm. Do the lines have a consistent pattern or intentional variations?
• Analyze the rhyme scheme, if present. How does the rhyme contribute to the poem’s sound, flow, and meaning?
• For poetic forms like the sonnet, examine how the structure’s divisions (quatrains, octave, sestet, etc.) develop the theme.
• Consider how the poem’s shape on the page impacts its reading and interpretation, especially for concrete/visual poems.
• Use examples and quotes from the poem to illustrate your analysis of the structure’s role and effects.
• If comparing two poems, discuss similarities and differences in their forms and how structure conveys meaning differently.
• Avoid just describing the structure – analyze how its elements function to reinforce the poem’s themes, tone, and imagery.

Step 5: Considering the poet’s background and historical context

While analyzing the poem itself should be the primary focus, also considering the poet’s biographical background and the historical context in which the poem was written can provide valuable insights to include in your poetry essay.

• Research basic biographical details about the poet – their life experiences, period, major influences, etc. Look for connections between their background and the poem’s themes/subject matter.
• Investigate the cultural and historical events/movements happening when the poem was written. How might this context have shaped the poet’s perspective and literary approach?
• For older poems, gain an understanding of the values, norms, and literary traditions of that era that the poet was operating within or reacting against.
• If the poem directly references specific people, places, or events from history, analyze how this contextual knowledge adds layers of meaning.
• Be cautious about making biographical assumptions, but if there are clear parallels between the poet’s life and the poem’s content, you can discuss potential real-world inspirations.
• For very old poems, research how concepts like symbolism, metaphors, etc. may have had different interpretations in that historical context.
• Use this contextual information to enrich your analysis, not just summarize biographical facts. Blend it with a close reading of the poem’s techniques.
• If comparing two poems from different eras, you can contrast how their respective contexts influenced the works.

Step 6: Writing the essay introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion

After closely analyzing the poem and gathering your insights, it’s time to start writing an essay on poetry. A well-structured essay will effectively convey your interpretation and understanding of the poem.

Introduction:

• Begin with an engaging hook or quote from the poem to grab the reader’s attention.
• Provide a brief background on the poem and author to establish context.
• Clearly state your thesis statement – the central argument or interpretation you will prove in the essay.

Body Paragraphs:

• In the body, build your analysis around the key elements used in the poem like imagery, metaphors, structure, etc.
• Dedicate paragraphs to examining individual poetic techniques and how they develop the theme.
• Use quotes and examples directly from the analyzed poem as evidence to support your assertions.
• Explain your reasoning for how a device or element contributes to the meaning of the poem.
• Use transitions to logically connect your analysis points.
• If doing a comparative analysis essay on two poems, compare and contrast their use of techniques.
• Avoid summarizing the poem’s plot or content – the focus should be interpreting the techniques.

Conclusion:

• Restate your thesis statement in new words to reinforce your overarching analysis.
• Summarize the main points you made about how poetic elements conveyed the deeper idea of the poem.
• Leave the reader with final insights into the resonance or significance of the work.
• For analysis essay tips, refer to examples of strong poetry essay conclusions as templates.

Poem Analysis Essay Tips

Writing an essay analyzing a poem is a wonderful way to appreciate and understand the nuances of poetic terms and literary devices used in poetry. Here are some essential tips to make your poem analysis essay insightful and effective:

• Read the poem carefully multiple times to fully absorb its meaning, tone, imagery, and other aspects. Poetry must be experienced deeply before you can analyze it well.
• Choose a topic or thesis that allows you to make an interesting argument. Don’t just summarize the poem – develop an interpretation of its deeper significance or the poet’s craft.
• Support your thesis with specific examples and quotes from the poem. Use line numbers when citing and analyze how the textual evidence reinforces your points.
• Focus on analyzing poetic techniques like metaphor, structure, rhyme, and other literary devices. Explain how they contribute to the overall meaning and effects of the poem.
• For guidance, review poetry analysis templates or strong essay examples to model your piece after. They showcase ways to structure your argument convincingly.
• Understand the poem’s context – when it was written, the author’s background and the literary period/movement can provide helpful insights.
• Write a clear introduction that engages the reader and establishes the poem/poet you’ll examine. End with your thesis statement.
• Organize body paragraphs effectively, separating analyses of different techniques or poetic elements into distinct sections.
• Aim for coherence by using good transitions and maintaining a logical essay structure. Avoid jumping around between points haphazardly.
• Revise carefully, strengthening wordy or vague descriptions and fixing grammar/spelling errors. Have someone provide a fresh perspective before finalizing.
• Make your conclusion meaningful by showing how your interpretation matters – why this poem is significant or what deeper truth it expresses.

Poetry Analysis Essay Outline

I. Introduction

A. Hook – Grab the reader’s attention with a quote, anecdote, or interesting description related to the poem.

B. Brief background on the poem and poet – Provide context on the work and author you’ll be analyzing.

C. Thesis statement – Your overarching argument or interpretation of the poem’s meaning and significance.

II. Body Paragraph 1 A. Topic sentence stating your first analytical point about the poem.

B. Evidence from the text to support your point (quotes, examples of poetic techniques used).

C. Explanation of how this evidence develops the theme, meaning, or shows the poet’s craft.

III. Body Paragraph 2

A. Topic sentence for your second analytical point.

B. Relevant quotes and examples from the poem as evidence.

C. Analysis of how this evidence ties into your interpretation of the poem.

IV. Body Paragraph 3 (and more as needed)

A. State your third, fourth, etc. analytical claims about the poem’s elements.

B. Incorporate quotes and point to specific poetic devices examined. C. Explain your reasoning behind this evidence supporting your analysis.

V. Conclusion

A. Restate your thesis in new words to reinforce your interpretation.

B. Summarize the key points and poetic techniques you analyzed.

C. End with insight into the broader significance of this poem and analysis.

• Focus each body paragraph on one main analytical point about the poem
• Use transitions to logically connect your paragraphs
• Integrate relevant background information about the poet/context
• Use quotes judiciously as evidence, not mere summary
• Aim to analyze “how” and “why” poetic devices were used, not just identify them

Poetry Analysis Essay Example

Technical poetry analysis worksheet, poetry analysis essay template.

V. Examples of poetry analysis essays A. Analyzing a classic poem (e.g. William Wordsworth’s “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud”) B. Analyzing a modern poem (e.g. Langston Hughes’ “Harlem”) C. Comparing and contrasting two different poems

Poem Analysis Essay FAQs

How do i write a poetry essay.

To write a poetry essay, you need to carefully analyze a poem and craft a well-organized essay that explores its themes, literary devices, and overall message. Start by selecting a poem that resonates with you and closely read it multiple times to understand its nuances and meanings. Then, develop a thesis statement that encapsulates your interpretation of the poem and supports it with evidence from the text. Structure your essay with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion that ties everything together.

How to write a poetry essay step by step PDF?

If you are looking for a step-by-step guide on writing poetry essay in PDF format, you can start by researching credible online resources or academic websites that provide detailed instructions. You can also consult writing guides or textbooks that focus on literary analysis to find a comprehensive outline of the process. Additionally, online writing platforms or educational institutions may offer downloadable PDFs with specific instructions on crafting a poetry essay.

How do you describe a poem in an essay?

When describing a poem in an essay, it is essential to pay attention to various elements such as the poem’s structure, language, imagery, themes, and tone. Begin by providing background information about the poet and the context of the poem. Then, delve into a detailed analysis of the poem’s content, focusing on its form, rhyme scheme, and literary devices used. Discuss the emotional impact of the poem on the reader and interpret its deeper meanings through close textual analysis.

How to analyse a poem?

When analyzing a poem, you should first read it several times to grasp its literal meaning and then move on to examine its figurative elements such as symbolism, metaphors, and themes. Pay attention to the poet’s use of language, imagery, and structure to uncover deeper layers of meaning. Consider the historical and cultural context in which the poem was written to better understand its significance. Finally, synthesize your analysis into a coherent essay that offers a compelling interpretation of the poem.

I am dedicated to creating engaging blog posts that provide valuable insights and advice to help students excel in their studies. From study tips to time management strategies, my goal is to empower students to reach their full potential.

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Poetry & Poets

Explore the beauty of poetry – discover the poet within

How To Write A Poetry Analysis Essay Example

Narrating the Poem

It is a must for any poetry analysis essay example to narrate the poem at the start. Writing a poem analysis essay requires one to take a more in-depth look at both the choices that a poet made and the overall effect that these choices have on the poem. The narrator should discuss the theme of the poem and the poetic devices. Additionally, it is important to analyze the form and structure of the poem and to look at any images that the poet may have used. In a poem analysis essay, one must take the time to read and analyze the language and the figures which the poet has used to get the message across.

Interpretation of the Poem

The interpretation of the poem is a crucial component of a poem analysis essay. In this section, one needs to determine what the poem is trying to say with its language choices, images and narrative. It is important to look at how the poet conveys the meaning and message behind the poem and which literary devices they have used in order to get the message across. For instance, if the poem has a metaphorical language, then the analysis should focus on how this device helps the poet convey their meaning and message. If there are complex images or symbols in the poem, then the analysis should discuss how the poet uses these to enhance the poem’s overall meaning. Understanding the language patterns, structure and form of the poem is also important in terms of interpreting its core message and theme.

Analyzing the Tone and Mood of the Poem

In a poetry analysis essay example, the tone and mood of the poem are also essential elements that must be analyzed. The tone is the overall feeling and atmosphere that the poem conveys. The mood, on the other hand, is the portrayal of the atmosphere the poem paints which is the feeling the reader experiences. In order to analyze the tone and mood of the poem, one must look at the language used and the context of the poem. For instance, a poem that is written with a sombre and reflective tone will most likely convey a feeling of grief and sadness. On the other hand, a poem written with a playful and witty tone will convey a feeling of joy and happiness.

Structure and Form of the Poem

The structure and form of the poem is also an important factor to consider when analyzing a poem. This includes the poem’s rhyme, metre, number of stanzas and its overall length. Looking at the poem’s structure and form allows the reader to gain an understanding of the poet’s intent. One should look at the use of repetition, enjambment and the words that the poet uses when attempting to understand the structure and form of the poem. Additionally, the analysis should include discussion of the poem’s form, such as whether it is a sonnet, a ballad or a villanelle.

Plot Analysis of the Poem

The plot of the poem is also an important factor to consider when analyzing a poem. The plot involves the sequence of events that take place in the poem, such as rising action, climax, resolution and denouement. Looking at the poem’s plot allows one to gain an understanding of how the poet structured their work in order to convey their message. One should look at how the events of the poem unravel and how they are connected and related to each other in order to understand the poem’s plot. Additionally, it is also important to look at the conflict and resolution in the poem as well as the themes that the poet explores.

Analysis of the Poet and Their Style

It is also important to analyze the poet and their style when analyzing a poem. This includes looking at the poet’s background, influences and life experiences. By looking at the poet’s background, one can gain an understanding of the context in which the poem was written, as well as how the poet’s life experiences influenced their writing. Furthermore, it is also important to analyze the poet’s writing style. This includes examining the poet’s use of language, imagery and symbolism, as well as the themes and motifs which the poet employs in their work. This helps one to gain an understanding of the poet’s intent and purpose when writing the poem.

Link Between the Poem and Other Texts

When analyzing a poem, one should also consider the link between the poem and any other texts. This includes looking at the theme, imagery and narrative of the poem and comparing it to other works in order to see how the poem is similar or different. By looking at the connections between different texts, one can gain an understanding of the poem’s place in the literary canon and how it relates to other works.

Technology and The Poem

In this era of technology, modern readers are now able to experience and interact with poetry in ways that were not previously possible. Technology has enabled fans to easily access, share and discuss poetry. It has also enabled poets to reach a wider audience, as well as facilitating the production of digital collaborations between various artists. Additionally, technology has enabled new forms of creative expression through the use of digital media, such as video and audio. This has given poets a new platform to express their creativity and ideas, as well as creating more opportunities for collaboration.

The Digital Revolution of Poetry

The digital revolution of poetry has resulted in the emergence of various digital platforms that enable poets to publish their work. These platforms include social media, websites and blogs, which has allowed poets to reach a global audience. Furthermore, these platforms have enabled poets to connect with one another, promoting a greater sense of community among poets. Technology has also enabled poets to experiment with different forms and styles of poetry. For instance, poets can now use visuals to create multimedia pieces that combine different elements of art, such as animation and sound. Additionally, technology has enabled poets to create interactive after works- such as hypertext poems- that enable readers to navigate the poem in different ways.

Conclusion of the Digital Revolution

In conclusion, technology has changed the way that poetry is read, shared and experienced by modern readers. Digital media has enabled poets to reach a wider audience as well as creating more opportunities for collaboration. Technology has also enabled new forms of creative expression through the use of digital media and has facilitated the production of digital collaborations between various artists.

Minnie Walters

Minnie Walters is a passionate writer and lover of poetry. She has a deep knowledge and appreciation for the work of famous poets such as William Wordsworth, Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, and many more. She hopes you will also fall in love with poetry!

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12.14: Sample Student Literary Analysis Essays

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• Heather Ringo & Athena Kashyap
• City College of San Francisco via ASCCC Open Educational Resources Initiative

The following examples are essays where student writers focused on close-reading a literary work.

While reading these examples, ask yourself the following questions:

• What is the essay's thesis statement, and how do you know it is the thesis statement?
• What is the main idea or topic sentence of each body paragraph, and how does it relate back to the thesis statement?
• Where and how does each essay use evidence (quotes or paraphrase from the literature)?
• What are some of the literary devices or structures the essays analyze or discuss?
• How does each author structure their conclusion, and how does their conclusion differ from their introduction?

Example 1: Poetry

Victoria Morillo

Instructor Heather Ringo

3 August 2022

How Nguyen’s Structure Solidifies the Impact of Sexual Violence in “The Study”

Stripped of innocence, your body taken from you. No matter how much you try to block out the instance in which these two things occurred, memories surface and come back to haunt you. How does a person, a young boy , cope with an event that forever changes his life? Hieu Minh Nguyen deconstructs this very way in which an act of sexual violence affects a survivor. In his poem, “The Study,” the poem's speaker recounts the year in which his molestation took place, describing how his memory filters in and out. Throughout the poem, Nguyen writes in free verse, permitting a structural liberation to become the foundation for his message to shine through. While he moves the readers with this poignant narrative, Nguyen effectively conveys the resulting internal struggles of feeling alone and unseen.

The speaker recalls his experience with such painful memory through the use of specific punctuation choices. Just by looking at the poem, we see that the first period doesn’t appear until line 14. It finally comes after the speaker reveals to his readers the possible, central purpose for writing this poem: the speaker's molestation. In the first half, the poem makes use of commas, em dashes, and colons, which lends itself to the idea of the speaker stringing along all of these details to make sense of this time in his life. If reading the poem following the conventions of punctuation, a sense of urgency is present here, as well. This is exemplified by the lack of periods to finalize a thought; and instead, Nguyen uses other punctuation marks to connect them. Serving as another connector of thoughts, the two em dashes give emphasis to the role memory plays when the speaker discusses how “no one [had] a face” during that time (Nguyen 9-11). He speaks in this urgent manner until the 14th line, and when he finally gets it off his chest, the pace of the poem changes, as does the more frequent use of the period. This stream-of-consciousness-like section when juxtaposed with the latter half of the poem, causes readers to slow down and pay attention to the details. It also splits the poem in two: a section that talks of the fogginess of memory then transitions into one that remembers it all.

In tandem with the fluctuating nature of memory, the utilization of line breaks and word choice help reflect the damage the molestation has had. Within the first couple of lines of the poem, the poem demands the readers’ attention when the line breaks from “floating” to “dead” as the speaker describes his memory of Little Billy (Nguyen 1-4). This line break averts the readers’ expectation of the direction of the narrative and immediately shifts the tone of the poem. The break also speaks to the effect his trauma has ingrained in him and how “[f]or the longest time,” his only memory of that year revolves around an image of a boy’s death. In a way, the speaker sees himself in Little Billy; or perhaps, he’s representative of the tragic death of his boyhood, how the speaker felt so “dead” after enduring such a traumatic experience, even referring to himself as a “ghost” that he tries to evict from his conscience (Nguyen 24). The feeling that a part of him has died is solidified at the very end of the poem when the speaker describes himself as a nine-year-old boy who’s been “fossilized,” forever changed by this act (Nguyen 29). By choosing words associated with permanence and death, the speaker tries to recreate the atmosphere (for which he felt trapped in) in order for readers to understand the loneliness that came as a result of his trauma. With the assistance of line breaks, more attention is drawn to the speaker's words, intensifying their importance, and demanding to be felt by the readers.

Most importantly, the speaker expresses eloquently, and so heartbreakingly, about the effect sexual violence has on a person. Perhaps what seems to be the most frustrating are the people who fail to believe survivors of these types of crimes. This is evident when he describes “how angry” the tenants were when they filled the pool with cement (Nguyen 4). They seem to represent how people in the speaker's life were dismissive of his assault and who viewed his tragedy as a nuisance of some sorts. This sentiment is bookended when he says, “They say, give us details , so I give them my body. / They say, give us proof , so I give them my body,” (Nguyen 25-26). The repetition of these two lines reinforces the feeling many feel in these scenarios, as they’re often left to deal with trying to make people believe them, or to even see them.

It’s important to recognize how the structure of this poem gives the speaker space to express the pain he’s had to carry for so long. As a characteristic of free verse, the poem doesn’t follow any structured rhyme scheme or meter; which in turn, allows him to not have any constraints in telling his story the way he wants to. The speaker has the freedom to display his experience in a way that evades predictability and engenders authenticity of a story very personal to him. As readers, we abandon anticipating the next rhyme, and instead focus our attention to the other ways, like his punctuation or word choice, in which he effectively tells his story. The speaker recognizes that some part of him no longer belongs to himself, but by writing “The Study,” he shows other survivors that they’re not alone and encourages hope that eventually, they will be freed from the shackles of sexual violence.

Works Cited

Nguyen, Hieu Minh. “The Study” Poets.Org. Academy of American Poets, Coffee House Press, 2018, https://poets.org/poem/study-0 .

Example 2: Fiction

Todd Goodwin

Professor Stan Matyshak

Advanced Expository Writing

Sept. 17, 20—

Poe’s “Usher”: A Mirror of the Fall of the House of Humanity

Right from the outset of the grim story, “The Fall of the House of Usher,” Edgar Allan Poe enmeshes us in a dark, gloomy, hopeless world, alienating his characters and the reader from any sort of physical or psychological norm where such values as hope and happiness could possibly exist. He fatalistically tells the story of how a man (the narrator) comes from the outside world of hope, religion, and everyday society and tries to bring some kind of redeeming happiness to his boyhood friend, Roderick Usher, who not only has physically and psychologically wasted away but is entrapped in a dilapidated house of ever-looming terror with an emaciated and deranged twin sister. Roderick Usher embodies the wasting away of what once was vibrant and alive, and his house of “insufferable gloom” (273), which contains his morbid sister, seems to mirror or reflect this fear of death and annihilation that he most horribly endures. A close reading of the story reveals that Poe uses mirror images, or reflections, to contribute to the fatalistic theme of “Usher”: each reflection serves to intensify an already prevalent tone of hopelessness, darkness, and fatalism.

It could be argued that the house of Roderick Usher is a “house of mirrors,” whose unpleasant and grim reflections create a dark and hopeless setting. For example, the narrator first approaches “the melancholy house of Usher on a dark and soundless day,” and finds a building which causes him a “sense of insufferable gloom,” which “pervades his spirit and causes an iciness, a sinking, a sickening of the heart, an undiscerned dreariness of thought” (273). The narrator then optimistically states: “I reflected that a mere different arrangement of the scene, of the details of the picture, would be sufficient to modify, or perhaps annihilate its capacity for sorrowful impression” (274). But the narrator then sees the reflection of the house in the tarn and experiences a “shudder even more thrilling than before” (274). Thus the reader begins to realize that the narrator cannot change or stop the impending doom that will befall the house of Usher, and maybe humanity. The story cleverly plays with the word reflection : the narrator sees a physical reflection that leads him to a mental reflection about Usher’s surroundings.

The narrator’s disillusionment by such grim reflection continues in the story. For example, he describes Roderick Usher’s face as distinct with signs of old strength but lost vigor: the remains of what used to be. He describes the house as a once happy and vibrant place, which, like Roderick, lost its vitality. Also, the narrator describes Usher’s hair as growing wild on his rather obtrusive head, which directly mirrors the eerie moss and straw covering the outside of the house. The narrator continually longs to see these bleak reflections as a dream, for he states: “Shaking off from my spirit what must have been a dream, I scanned more narrowly the real aspect of the building” (276). He does not want to face the reality that Usher and his home are doomed to fall, regardless of what he does.

Although there are almost countless examples of these mirror images, two others stand out as important. First, Roderick and his sister, Madeline, are twins. The narrator aptly states just as he and Roderick are entombing Madeline that there is “a striking similitude between brother and sister” (288). Indeed, they are mirror images of each other. Madeline is fading away psychologically and physically, and Roderick is not too far behind! The reflection of “doom” that these two share helps intensify and symbolize the hopelessness of the entire situation; thus, they further develop the fatalistic theme. Second, in the climactic scene where Madeline has been mistakenly entombed alive, there is a pairing of images and sounds as the narrator tries to calm Roderick by reading him a romance story. Events in the story simultaneously unfold with events of the sister escaping her tomb. In the story, the hero breaks out of the coffin. Then, in the story, the dragon’s shriek as he is slain parallels Madeline’s shriek. Finally, the story tells of the clangor of a shield, matched by the sister’s clanging along a metal passageway. As the suspense reaches its climax, Roderick shrieks his last words to his “friend,” the narrator: “Madman! I tell you that she now stands without the door” (296).

Roderick, who slowly falls into insanity, ironically calls the narrator the “Madman.” We are left to reflect on what Poe means by this ironic twist. Poe’s bleak and dark imagery, and his use of mirror reflections, seem only to intensify the hopelessness of “Usher.” We can plausibly conclude that, indeed, the narrator is the “Madman,” for he comes from everyday society, which is a place where hope and faith exist. Poe would probably argue that such a place is opposite to the world of Usher because a world where death is inevitable could not possibly hold such positive values. Therefore, just as Roderick mirrors his sister, the reflection in the tarn mirrors the dilapidation of the house, and the story mirrors the final actions before the death of Usher. “The Fall of the House of Usher” reflects Poe’s view that humanity is hopelessly doomed.

Poe, Edgar Allan. “The Fall of the House of Usher.” 1839. Electronic Text Center, University of Virginia Library . 1995. Web. 1 July 2012. < http://etext.virginia.edu/toc/modeng/public/PoeFall.html >.

Example 3: Poetry

Amy Chisnell

Professor Laura Neary

Writing and Literature

April 17, 20—

Don’t Listen to the Egg!: A Close Reading of Lewis Carroll’s “Jabberwocky”

“You seem very clever at explaining words, Sir,” said Alice. “Would you kindly tell me the meaning of the poem called ‘Jabberwocky’?”

“Let’s hear it,” said Humpty Dumpty. “I can explain all the poems that ever were invented—and a good many that haven’t been invented just yet.” (Carroll 164)

In Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking-Glass , Humpty Dumpty confidently translates (to a not so confident Alice) the complicated language of the poem “Jabberwocky.” The words of the poem, though nonsense, aptly tell the story of the slaying of the Jabberwock. Upon finding “Jabberwocky” on a table in the looking-glass room, Alice is confused by the strange words. She is quite certain that “ somebody killed something ,” but she does not understand much more than that. When later she encounters Humpty Dumpty, she seizes the opportunity at having the knowledgeable egg interpret—or translate—the poem. Since Humpty Dumpty professes to be able to “make a word work” for him, he is quick to agree. Thus he acts like a New Critic who interprets the poem by performing a close reading of it. Through Humpty’s interpretation of the first stanza, however, we see the poem’s deeper comment concerning the practice of interpreting poetry and literature in general—that strict analytical translation destroys the beauty of a poem. In fact, Humpty Dumpty commits the “heresy of paraphrase,” for he fails to understand that meaning cannot be separated from the form or structure of the literary work.

Of the 71 words found in “Jabberwocky,” 43 have no known meaning. They are simply nonsense. Yet through this nonsensical language, the poem manages not only to tell a story but also gives the reader a sense of setting and characterization. One feels, rather than concretely knows, that the setting is dark, wooded, and frightening. The characters, such as the Jubjub bird, the Bandersnatch, and the doomed Jabberwock, also appear in the reader’s head, even though they will not be found in the local zoo. Even though most of the words are not real, the reader is able to understand what goes on because he or she is given free license to imagine what the words denote and connote. Simply, the poem’s nonsense words are the meaning.

Therefore, when Humpty interprets “Jabberwocky” for Alice, he is not doing her any favors, for he actually misreads the poem. Although the poem in its original is constructed from nonsense words, by the time Humpty is done interpreting it, it truly does not make any sense. The first stanza of the original poem is as follows:

’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves

Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;

All mimsy were the borogroves,

An the mome raths outgrabe. (Carroll 164)

If we replace, however, the nonsense words of “Jabberwocky” with Humpty’s translated words, the effect would be something like this:

’Twas four o’clock in the afternoon, and the lithe and slimy badger-lizard-corkscrew creatures

Did go round and round and make holes in the grass-plot round the sun-dial:

All flimsy and miserable were the shabby-looking birds

with mop feathers,

And the lost green pigs bellowed-sneezed-whistled.

By translating the poem in such a way, Humpty removes the charm or essence—and the beauty, grace, and rhythm—from the poem. The poetry is sacrificed for meaning. Humpty Dumpty commits the heresy of paraphrase. As Cleanth Brooks argues, “The structure of a poem resembles that of a ballet or musical composition. It is a pattern of resolutions and balances and harmonizations” (203). When the poem is left as nonsense, the reader can easily imagine what a “slithy tove” might be, but when Humpty tells us what it is, he takes that imaginative license away from the reader. The beauty (if that is the proper word) of “Jabberwocky” is in not knowing what the words mean, and yet understanding. By translating the poem, Humpty takes that privilege from the reader. In addition, Humpty fails to recognize that meaning cannot be separated from the structure itself: the nonsense poem reflects this literally—it means “nothing” and achieves this meaning by using “nonsense” words.

Furthermore, the nonsense words Carroll chooses to use in “Jabberwocky” have a magical effect upon the reader; the shadowy sound of the words create the atmosphere, which may be described as a trance-like mood. When Alice first reads the poem, she says it seems to fill her head “with ideas.” The strange-sounding words in the original poem do give one ideas. Why is this? Even though the reader has never heard these words before, he or she is instantly aware of the murky, mysterious mood they set. In other words, diction operates not on the denotative level (the dictionary meaning) but on the connotative level (the emotion(s) they evoke). Thus “Jabberwocky” creates a shadowy mood, and the nonsense words are instrumental in creating this mood. Carroll could not have simply used any nonsense words.

For example, let us change the “dark,” “ominous” words of the first stanza to “lighter,” more “comic” words:

’Twas mearly, and the churly pells

Did bimble and ringle in the tink;

All timpy were the brimbledimps,

And the bip plips outlink.

Shifting the sounds of the words from dark to light merely takes a shift in thought. To create a specific mood using nonsense words, one must create new words from old words that convey the desired mood. In “Jabberwocky,” Carroll mixes “slimy,” a grim idea, “lithe,” a pliable image, to get a new adjective: “slithy” (a portmanteau word). In this translation, brighter words were used to get a lighter effect. “Mearly” is a combination of “morning” and “early,” and “ringle” is a blend of “ring” and "dingle.” The point is that “Jabberwocky’s” nonsense words are created specifically to convey this shadowy or mysterious mood and are integral to the “meaning.”

Consequently, Humpty’s rendering of the poem leaves the reader with a completely different feeling than does the original poem, which provided us with a sense of ethereal mystery, of a dark and foreign land with exotic creatures and fantastic settings. The mysteriousness is destroyed by Humpty’s literal paraphrase of the creatures and the setting; by doing so, he has taken the beauty away from the poem in his attempt to understand it. He has committed the heresy of paraphrase: “If we allow ourselves to be misled by it [this heresy], we distort the relation of the poem to its ‘truth’… we split the poem between its ‘form’ and its ‘content’” (Brooks 201). Humpty Dumpty’s ultimate demise might be seen to symbolize the heretical split between form and content: as a literary creation, Humpty Dumpty is an egg, a well-wrought urn of nonsense. His fall from the wall cracks him and separates the contents from the container, and not even all the King’s men can put the scrambled egg back together again!

Through the odd characters of a little girl and a foolish egg, “Jabberwocky” suggests a bit of sage advice about reading poetry, advice that the New Critics built their theories on. The importance lies not solely within strict analytical translation or interpretation, but in the overall effect of the imagery and word choice that evokes a meaning inseparable from those literary devices. As Archibald MacLeish so aptly writes: “A poem should not mean / But be.” Sometimes it takes a little nonsense to show us the sense in something.

Brooks, Cleanth. The Well-Wrought Urn: Studies in the Structure of Poetry . 1942. San Diego: Harcourt Brace, 1956. Print.

Carroll, Lewis. Through the Looking-Glass. Alice in Wonderland . 2nd ed. Ed. Donald J. Gray. New York: Norton, 1992. Print.

MacLeish, Archibald. “Ars Poetica.” The Oxford Book of American Poetry . Ed. David Lehman. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2006. 385–86. Print.

Attribution

• Sample Essay 1 received permission from Victoria Morillo to publish, licensed Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International ( CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 )
• Sample Essays 2 and 3 adapted from Cordell, Ryan and John Pennington. "2.5: Student Sample Papers" from Creating Literary Analysis. 2012. Licensed Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported ( CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 )

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Socrates' Poetry Analysis

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Published: Mar 20, 2024

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Table of contents

Socrates' critique of poetry, implications of socrates' critique, rebuttal of socrates' critique.

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