Poetry

the Poem

1)    Introduction:

a)    Scope of the discussion: Identify the poet’s full name, title of the poem, from what
collection, publication date, country of origin.

b)    Poet’s background: How are the time period in which the poet writes, her beliefs,
attitudes and experiences relevant to what has been written?
What ideas, techniques and themes are common to the poet’s
work?

2)    Outline:

a)    Prose statement: Outline the central focus or context of the poem. (What is going on?
Who is involved? What is being described?)

b)    Thesis statement: Create a clear and emphatic statement which identifies what the
poem illustrates about the universal literary theme associated with
the poem.

3-6) Argument:

Choose four distinct and significant* elements form the “M.S.S. Literary Analysis
Element Checklist”, and employ the questions provided there to illustrate, using direct
quotations from the poem, how each element contributes to both the poet’s intended
meaning within the poem and beyond the poem in the context of the identified universal
literary theme.

*(Atmosphere and mood are too similar to discuss both. The same is true with point of
view and tone. Plot in poetry is rarely significant. Do not discuss metaphor and/or simile
unless these devices are indispensable to the meaning of the poem. Do not discuss
more than two literary devices.)

7) Conclusion:

On the strength of your argument and using its key ideas, re-emphasize how the poem
illustrates the thesis statement above. Conclude by connecting your thesis to the universal
literary theme.

8) Extension:

How does the poem’s treatment of the universal literary theme help to illuminate a truth
aboutthe human condition?