Poetry Explication Notes

Directions: Use the following handout from The Language of Literature for a guide on “How to Read a Poem (And Then Write About It).” Follow each step as you complete your explication.

Step 1: Forget what the poem may mean, is supposed to mean, or what it may be about.

Step 2: Look at the title. Jot down three things it suggests to you. Give literal (concrete) meanings as well as figurative (abstract) things coming to mind.

Step 3: Read the poem. Read it quickly at first; then read it slowly several times. Try to hear the poem aloud in your head or find a place to read it aloud. Write down the first two things you think about after reading the poem.

Step 4: Now look at the poem. How is it put together? Take notes on each of the following that apply:

  1. alliteration
  2. rhymes
  3. rhythms
  4. repetitions
  5. figures of speech: similes, metaphors, personification, symbolism, etc.

Step 5: List any features you notice about the language in the poem and take notes on the following:

  1. stops and pauses
  2. punctuation, or lack of it
  3. capital letters, or no capitals
  4. line breaks
  5. adverbs and adjectives
  6. sentences or fragments
  7. verb tense
  8. organization of stanzas

Step 6: What patterns do you see emerging from your lists? Look at the list below and write short notes about your observations:

  1. sensory details
  2. emotions
  3. images
  4. puzzling words

Step 7: Read the poem again. Form some guesses at what the poem means.

Step 8: Answer the following questions about voice and tone:

  1. Who is speaking in the poem?
  2. To whom is the poem spoken?
  3. What is the tone of the poem?

Step 9: By now, you should have some solid information about what your poem is all about. Read the poem again. Consider why the poet made the choices you identified in steps 4-7. How do you think these things contribute to the meaning? Write your response in your notes.

Step 10: If you have not already noticed, with your notes from steps 1-9, you have a great start on a written poetry explanation (or explication). It should be a multi-paragraph essay. You may want to include other observations, such as:

  1. Record a line of the poem you thought was powerful.
  2. Did you like or dislike the poem? (It is okay to be honest, as long as you justify it.)
  3. Does the poem remind you of another poem/story/event? If so, explain it.