Analyzing a Poem

When reading the poem you find for your research project, think
about the following things:
Whats the meaning of the poem? Ask yourself questions like: What
happens in the poem? What is the poet trying to say? What lines in
the poem emphasize what the author is trying to say? What is the
theme of the poem?
Is there any figurative language used in the poem? Can you find any
examples of similes, metaphors, onomatopoeia, personification,
alliteration, or irony?
What words did the poet choose to use? The words the poet has
chosen are usually very important. Do any particular words stand out
to you? Are any of the words repeated? If so, what effect does this
add to the poem?
What is the tone and mood of the poem? Is the poet angry, regretful,
happy, or exhibit another emotion? What words bring out the mood in
the poem? Is the poet trying to persuade, to amuse, or is he or she
reflecting on the state of the world at the time a particular event
occurred? How does the poem make you feel?
Does the poem have a storyline? Are there any conflicts in the poem?
Are the conflicts resolved?
What about the rhyme scheme? Is there a rhyme scheme or is this a
free verse poem? How does having or not having a rhyme scheme
impact the effectiveness of the poem?
What is the poems structure? How a poet puts the words on the
page impacts the way you read the poem. How does the poem look
on the page? What form is it in?

 Who is the speaker? What is the point of view or perspective of the

speaker? Is there any bias in the poets words because of their view
on the topic?
Is there any symbolism in the poem? What do the symbols mean?