A Framework for Responding to Poetry
Introduction:
Briefly introduce the title of the poem and name of the poet.
Try to classify the type of poem it is e.g. sonnet, ballad, haiku, acrostic, shape, lyric, ode, limerick, elegy, dramatic monologue etc.
Briefly explain the subject of the poem.
Point One: Explore the Themes of the Poem
Try to group the ideas in the poem is there a story that the poem tells?
What do you think the poem is about?
Point Two: Imagery used to express themes
What are the pictures in the poem?
Are metaphors/similes used to explain ideas?
Are the five senses used to evoke certain reactions in the reader?
Point Three: Form and Structure
How is the poem organised e.g. lines, verses, layout and shape.
Why has the poet decided to structure the ideas in this way e.g. the sequence of ideas, length of lines, patterns etc.
Point Four: Rhyme and Rhythm
How does the poem rhyme? E.g. abab or aabb etc.
What is the rhythm of the poem when read aloud?
Why has the poet chosen this rhyme and rhythm to express these ideas?
Point Five: Language Patterns
Think about the sound of the poem and choice of words
The poet uses specific words because they have a certain association in the reader's mind.
Look out for alliteration, onomatopoeia, assonance, personification, symbolism. How has the poet grouped words to achieve a desired effect?
Conclusion: Poet's message
What is the poet trying to communicate to the reader?
How effective are the devices/language that he uses?
What is your response to the poem?
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