How to Write a Planning/Overview

Poetry Commentary

Be sure to spend time annotating, then making a plan before you begin writing. You can write a simple list or use various colors on your annotations to organize yourself. Sometimes it is better to write in a suggestive style than to make absolute statements if you are unsure. For example, This image suggests or This combination of sounds reminds me of, instead of The speaker is obviously or The author wants When you are sure, sound certain and confident. Go into as much detail as possible in the time allowed. Write in PRESENT TENSE. Literature is always happening, so there is no past tense. Introduction Write a brief, general introduction that provides an overview of what the focus of your commentary will be. SOAPSTone may be a useful starting point allowing you to identify key elements of the poem, but do not go through the entire SOAPSTone process; speak only about the terms that are relevant. Perhaps mention some of the main literary techniques that the poet/author used. Do not go into detailed analysis of your examples in your introduction. Have a thesis. Just talking about the poem (summary) or listing off techniques wont be enough. You must take the time to ANALYZE! So start your analysis immediately in your introduction. What are the techniques the author uses and why? The author makes use of enjambment to highlight the urgent tone of the poem while metaphor strives to make the abstract concrete, thus helping the author convey his purpose. Body Paragraphs Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that indicates which technique/literary device you will discuss. Minimize summary. The reader can read the poem and know what it is about on his/her own. A short summary may be necessary at times, but only to illustrate that you understand the poem is about. What the reader wants to see is 1. What techniques you are able to accurately identify and give evidence for and 2. Why you think those techniques are important in making this piece meaningful, expressive, and enjoyable. Talk about techniques. If you know the literary term for something in the text, use the term. Talk about how the techniques are used by the author to create meaning or achieve effects. Speak generally about the use of the technique and then analyze specifically how it is used in the poem. That is, say, Hughes uses an extended metaphor to.. But dont just list those terms. Quote bits of the poem to SHOW the technique you are observing. Theres no sense in saying something exists without giving an example. After all, the reader cant read your piece and the poem at the same time. Blend in quoted material with your sentences. Dont just drop a piece of the poem on the page. When you make a point, it is imperative that you EXPLAIN IT, and PROVE IT. Prove it by providing specific examples or quotations from the text, then say WHY those quotes demonstrate your point.

 Analyze WHY the techniques have been used and HOW they contribute to 1. the poets ability to realize his/her goal and 2. your understanding and enjoyment of the poem. Finishing Write a conclusion. Short is fine. Mention the main techniques again Relate them back to purpose and tone Proofreading Remember to use formal register. No slang. Proofread carefully. Much of your grade is based on the correct use of English. Refer to the author by his/her last name. Use quotation marks for poem titles; do not underline PRESENT TENSE to talk about literature. Its always happening whenever we look at the poem.