Poetry Test - November 23

POETRY ANALYSIS TEST GUIDELINES

Structure: The questions for each section are guidelines only. The nature of the poem and your interpretation will drive exactly what you will write about.  If it makes more sense to structure your essay differently from this outline, feel free to do so, but do plan to write at least three paragraphs rich in detail. It is inconceivable that you should answer each question that follows in this short essay format. These are guidelines only.


Each paragraph should be structured using the "TIQA" format:
Topic Sentence-Where is this paragraph going?
Introduce quotation or example-
Quotation or example-
Analyse the quotation or example-

You can normally repeat TIQA twice per paragraph, as long as you use a transition between the two.
Or
Point, Proof, Comment if that makes more sense to you.


Paragraph 1: Form

• How is the poem put together? Is it a specific type of poem (ballad, free verse, or sonnet)? 
• What do you notice about rhythm ("Charge of the Light Brigade")? Is there a regular metrical pattern (metre)?  Is rhyme important?
• Does the structure of the poem create meaning? Are line lengths used for effect ("Sarajevo Bear")? 
• Does point-of-view create an intimacy and empathy for the speaker's feelings ("The Jeannie C.")?

Paragraph 2: Theme

• What is the message of the poem? Can you infer this from the speaker's tone, from the meaning of the poem, from emphasis on certain images or from repetition of ideas? Support your answer with proof.

Paragraph 3: Relate Form and Content 

• Is there a break or change in the speaker's tone that conveys a change in attitude ("Sonnet 29")? 
• How does figurative language create or relate to meaning (like death imagery in "La Belle Dame Sans Merci", or alliteration in "Dulce et Decorum Est" )? 
• Is repetition used for a certain effect (suspense and the narrator's descent into madness in "The Raven")?
• Does the rhythm create meaning and a change in the atmosphere of the poem ("The Charge of the Light Brigade")? 
• What role does diction play (archaic language and Medieval settings in "La Belle Dame...", "Lochinvar", "Love Me, Love My Dog")? What expectations does this create for the reader?
• Are haunting images used to create setting and mood and allude to the speaker's tone ("Dulce et Decorum Est" or "La Belle Dame Sans Merci")? 

Paragraph 4: Make Connections

• Outline your personal reactions to the poem, and make connections with your experiences, other texts, or the world. How does the poem effect you? Sum up your ideas.