Objective: Evaluate form and devices and annotate poetry to better understand a poem’s theme and poet’s vision or purpose.

An author’s life experiences or values are often reflected in his work. Therefore, if you learn about his life, you may find clues about his work or similarities.

Parts of Poetry Analysis

FormSummary/ThemeDevices

Part 1: FormStanza Type – Count the number of lines grouped

together for a stanza. Identify the proper name.2=couplet 4 = quatrain 6 = sestet 8 = octave

Type of Rhyme – Find rhyming words. List these examples and line numbers. Identify these as a) end or internal rhyme and b) exact or approximate rhyme

Rhyme Scheme – If you have end rhyme assign each last word of a stanza a letter beginning with the letter “a” and repeat letters when you have rhyme. Aabb would be lines 1 & 2 rhyming and 3 & 4 rhyming

Rhythm – Copy a line of poetry, mark each syllable with ‘ if accented or u if unaccented. Use notes to identify the rhythmic pattern. Remember to combine BOTH feet plus meter.

Tone – Identify in one or two adjectives the author’s attitude towards the subject or readers. Tone may be playful, formal, intimate, angry, serious, ironic, outraged, baffled, tender, serene, depressed, etc.

Part 2 Summary/Theme

Write a 1-2 sentence summary explaining what the poem is about and what happens (beginning – end).

Write a theme statement that expressing the hidden message in the poem. Think truism; what is the poem saying about life, people, or the world?

Part 3: Poetry Devices Imagery – Find words or phrases that appeal to the senses to make

the reader feel like they are there.Symbolism – Find a single word that has symbolic meaning,

represents something greater than what it is.Personification – Find a line that gives human characteristics to

inanimate objects.Simile – Find a line that compares two unlike things using “like” or

“as”.Metaphor – Find a line that describes one thing as though it IS

another.Hyperbole – Find a line that expresses an overstatement,

exaggeration.Consonance – Find WORDS in the same line that repeat the same

consonant sounds in the MIDDLE or END of the words.Alliteration – Find WORDS in the same line that repeat the same

consonance sounds at the BEGINNING of the words.Onomatopoeia – Find a WORD that imitates a natural sound.Assonance – Find WORDS in the same line that repeat the same

VOWEL sound but are NOT rhyming words.

Form  Stanza Type

  

Type of Rhyme 

   

Rhyme Scheme 

 Rhythm  

 Tone

  

Summary:What is the poem about and what happens or is described?  

What is the implied message? 

    

Poetry Devices  Imagery

  

Symbolism 

 Personification

    

Simile 

   

Metaphor

    

Hyperbole 

   

Consonance   

Alliteration   

Onomatopoeia   

Assonance