Common mistakes in poetic analysis

1. Poetry Analysis Common mistakes in poetic analysis

2. Literal VS Figurative • Too many people focused only on the SURFACE details of the poem. • For example, is “I know why the caged bird sings” really about birds? • Are the birds a metaphor for something else? • Can we look deeper than just what we see on the surface? • Can we make any connections? • Think about the poetic devices (figurative language and sound devices) an author uses to help find the deeper meaning in a poem.

3. Some hints about Similes and Metaphors • Just because the poet uses the words “like” or “as” does NOT mean they are using a simile. A simile (and a metaphor) MUST COMPARE TWO UNLIKE THINGS! • Many poets use extended metaphors. This means that the metaphor they use is developed throughout the poem, not just in one or two lines. • Think about why the author chose that particular metaphor or simile- how does it help communicate their meaning?

4. Point of View • FYI: If you are asked to identify the point of view in a poem, DO NOT ANSWER WITH “THE POET”! • Think about the speaker or narrator of the poem- not whether the poem is written in first person or third person. • Where is the speaker coming from? Who are they? What can we learn about the speaker based on the evidence [THE POEM] we have?

5. Theme • When thinking about the theme of a poem DO NOT focus on the literal or surface details. • Think about what the author is trying to convey with the poem, and think about HOW they convey it. • The figurative language, sound devices, and overall structure of the poem can contribute to the theme of the poem. • Again, the emphasis should be on the FIGURATIVE, not the literal. Look beyond the surface of the poem for possible deeper meanings.

6. Thesis Statements Why are thesis statements important? What are the characteristics of a strong thesis? Writing thesis statements.

7. Why are thesis statements important?

9. Remember…

10. Identify a subject • EXAMPLE: Beowulf • Narrow your topic • EXAMPLE: I think Beowulf is an interesting character. • Take a position on the topic • EXAMPLE: I think Beowulf is an interesting character because he displays aspects of the traditional warrior hero as well as some Christian characteristics. • Make an assertion about the topic • EXAMPLE: The character Beowulf represents the transition from a pagan, warrior culture to a Christian culture. Helpful Hint: a thesis is your interpretation of a subject- NOT the subject itself.

11. Supporting your Thesis Using Evidence to support your thesis

13. Concluding your analysis Writing an effective conclusion

14. A reader will remember the FIRST (introduction and thesis statement) and the LAST (conclusion) thing they read. • An effective conclusion will reinforce the purpose of the paper. • Remind the reader of your stance on the topic. An effective way to do that is to revisit your thesis statement and briefly review the evidence used to support your thesis. • HELP YOUR READER: Your introduction tells the reader what they are going to read. Your conclusion reminds them of what they just read.