How to Dissect a Poem

How to Dissect a Poem

Read the title & the author.
What clues does it give you & why?
Does it say more than the words on the page
Could the author’s gender, age, background, or life experiences influence the poem?

Study the form of the poem on the page.
Shape of the poem (concrete)?

Spacing – intentional?
Punctuation, or lack of…
Sometimes ABSENCES speak louder than words.

Read the poem.
Content – can you identify the “plot” or main idea?
Take a guess… what’s the purpose of the poem?
Analyze the language. Cite specific examples.
What poetic devices are used? What do they contribute to the meaning? (be sure to identify patterns and rhythms)
What word choices are used? How do they contribute to the poem?
What questions does the poem raise?

Identify the persona.
Is the persona (speaker) different than the author? If so, how? How do you know? If not, how do you know?
Are there any characters within the poem? If so, who?

Assess the poem.
Did you like it? Why or why not?
What does the poem say to YOU?
Avoid using “I didn’t understand it” as a reason!