As you read your poems look for clues
1.What is the theme of the poem? What is the poet trying to say? What is the poem about?
2.What happens in the poem? Are conflicts or themes introduced? Resolved?
3.Who is the speaker? What is the “point of view” or perspective of the speaker? The perspective might be social, intellectual, political, or even physical.
4.What is the setting? What is the time and place? How does the poet make use of the physical description? Does it create a mood?
5.Are there any key statements or lines that indicate meaning? Look for one key line or symbol; however, the poet may make use of recurring symbols, actions, or motifs.
6.How does the sound or language contribute to the poem’s meaning? Does the rhythm affect what the poet is trying to convey? What kinds of words are used? Are there words with double meanings?
7.Does the poem refer to other literary works? For example, is there a Biblical reference or reference to another poem? How does the other work relate to the meaning?
8.Is there a historical, ideological, or cultural aspect? Does the poem refer to a world event, period of time, or particular aspect of culture (race, status, gender, class)? What are the basic ideas of the world or human condition or experience (love, hate, orderliness of the universe, etc.)?
9.What qualities or emotions does the poem evoke? How does the poem make you feel?
10.What imagery is used? Does the poet use physical imagery or figures of speech, such as metaphors?
