Today, I gave you information on the way you need to read poems. I have pasted it here for those who are absent.
I also then gave out a poem for you to analyze. If you weren't here, locate one on the web (or in your Viewpoints 11 text) and analyze it.
HOW TO READ POETRY
The first time you read a poem…
· Look over the entire poem before you read it.
o What does the title suggest? (write this down)
o Do you know anything about the poet?
o How long is the poem?(count stanzas and write down)
o Is it divided into stanzas?(how many? Write this down).
o What is the end rhyme scheme? (mark this and write it down).
o Is its layout on the page significant?
o Has the poet used a form, such as a ballad or sonnet, which carries with it some meaning?
· Read the poem all the way through the first time.
· Use the punctuation to help with meaning. Commas require a short pause, periods a full stop, and question and exclamation marks signal their own special meanings. If there is not punctuation at the end of a line, read on to maintain the flow of the idea.
The second time you read a poem…
· Read the poem more slowly this time, Study the context of puzzling or unclear parts. Highlight and then use a dictionary to check unfamiliar words or words used in an unfamiliar way.
· Highlight in a different colour, poetic language used and then write what type it is in the margins.
· Determine the poem’s speaker. Is it the poet? An object, animal, or abstract noun?
· Identify the poem’s context. Does it begin with an idea? An act? An event?
The third time you read the poem…
· Read the poem out loud and listen to the sounds of the words and how they add to the meaning of the poem.
· Look for repeated words. Poets often use repetition to emphasize the main idea or to enhance rhythm.
· Look up any allusions and write them down on the page.
· Paraphrase (put in your own words) lines or stanzas to help you understand the main ideas or events of a poem.
· Discuss the poem with others to hear others’ questions, interpretations and ideas.
At the end, summarize, in your own words, what the poem is about (5 w’s).
No comments:
Post a Comment