2. Theory – Close Study of Text

Theory: Close Study of Text

Steps to analyse poems:

1. Highlight and look up any words you don’t understand
2. Highlight, with a different colour, recurring nouns. These may be motifs or symbolic of ideas.
3. Highlight, with a different colour, verbs or adjectives
4. Start summarising each stanza (meaning, change of tone)
5. Understand the significance of the title
6. Begin annotating the text and identifying any techniques

Select one of the poems and let’s try!

With your tutor, annotate the poem using the PDF comment/annotation tool. We would encourage you to keep the English Reference PDF open in front of you. Make sure that you understand the steps to analysing poems.

1. Literary Techniques
2. Composition (Structure, Form, Rhythm, Rhyme)
3. Voice and tone
4. Symbols/Motifs 
5. Perspective/Positioning of audience

NOTE: 

• Select a variety of techniques. Which techniques would be considered uncommon? 
• Consider the significance of the title
• Make sure that each technique is connected to an effect. 
• Does voice, tone, motifs change throughout the poem?