1. Textual Analysis Poetry
Higher English
Textual Analysis
Poetry

2. Preparation for NAB Revise poetry techniques and learn some new ones!
Study several poems to see techniques
Practise for the NAB – do similar questions
Sit the NAB
Pass or fail 15/30 = pass
Resit if required next session, could be drama

3. Poems Poems use language in a condensed form Some poems tell a story
Most poems make you think about some aspect of life
Many poems are written because the poet had an everyday experience or saw something which sparked a thought …which she/he developed into a poem
Studying poetry is about making sure you get the big ideas [= understand the theme] and can analyse the techniques used.

4. Textual Analysis type question (It’s also a Close Reading Question)
Show how in lines….the poet conveys his attitude to …..
Sometimes the question tells you the attitude
Show how in lines….the poet conveys his disapproval of
Show how in lines….the poet conveys his admiration for…

5. Show how + attitude
If the question does not tell you the attitude you must begin by stating it
Show how means analyse any techniques the writer has used.
Word choice
Imagery
Sentence structure etc [any other feature you can see that’s relevant]

6. Analysing the image What imagery is used? You must deconstruct this.
What is being compared to what? X is compared to Y
SQA say you must show awareness of the literal origin of the image.
This means first describe whatever qualities are found in the object it is being compared to [Y]

7. Practise with your poem: Show how in lines…
Practise with your poem: Show how in lines…. the poet conveys his attitude to ……..
Make clear his attitude
Refer to any features such as
imagery
personification
symbolism
word choice
word order or sentence structure
etc

8. Just as …. In the same way… This helps to convey the idea that….
Reference/ quotation/ identification of a feature alone = O marks Marks will depend on the quality of the comment [SQA]
The poet uses a metaphor to convey the idea of X :
“ nice little quotation…”
OK but no marks so far! Do the analysis!
Just as …. In the same way…
This helps to convey the idea that….

9. The word “…..” suggests / has connotations of / implies……
Reference/ quotation/ identification of a feature alone = O marks Marks will depend on the quality of the comment [SQA]
The poet uses effective word choice to convey the idea of X :
“ nice little quotation…”
OK but no marks so far! Do the analysis!
The word “…..” suggests / has connotations of / implies……

10. Reference/ quotation/ identification of a feature alone = O marks Marks will depend on the quality of the comment [SQA]
The poet uses alliteration:
“ quirky quotation…”
OK but no marks so far! Do the analysis!
The alliteration draws attention to the expression and intensifies the meaning.
Or if a particular effect is achieved e.g. :
The use of two plosives in the ‘broken bones’ alliteration creates a harsh sound which is appropriate in the context of the violence being described.

11. Development of an idea = another ‘show how’ question
Show how the writer develops or continues the idea of ……
Look for words or examples which connect
Quote or refer closely to the text giving line references
Again refer to techniques or features of the writing and analyse them fully.

12. Show how (poet) develops the idea of ……… in verse….OR in lines……
Reference/ quotation/ identification of a feature alone = O marks
Marks will depend on the quality of the comment [SQA]

13. Tone – a key feature of many poems (and a common question in TA and CR)
Tone is about the feelings, mood and atmosphere which the poem creates and evokes.
Tone can be related to the poet’s or speaker’s attitude or feelings towards the subject matter of the poem.
The tone of a poem can change within the poem: different lines or verses may have a different tone.

14. Tone Here are some words used to describe tone (there are many others)
optimistic cheerful uplifting enthusiastic
regretful nostalgic pessimistic sad
tongue-in-cheek sarcastic ironic
critical derisive disparaging mocking scathing
reverent respectful deferential serious
humorous light hearted informal colloquial
With a partner discuss which are the strongest feelings in some of the group of words above

15. How to discuss tone Tone can be established or created
The tone can be maintained or continued
The tone might be changed or altered
You may be asked
What tone do you think is established in lines…. OR
What tone is created in verse… and how has the poet achieved this tone?

16. SQA advice on Tone
The 'how' part is often done best by exploring other aspects of language such as sentence structure, imagery, and word choice since these are often used to convey tone.  Also, features such as sound, exaggeration and anti-climax are often used to establish tone.

17. What tone best describes [poem or verse or lines] …
What tone best describes [poem or verse or lines] …..? Say how the tone is established and how it is maintained.
You may use any of the features you discussed in previous questions
Name the tone
Describe the writer’s attitude.
Discuss techniques or features which helped to convey this tone.
Reference/ quotation/ identification of a feature alone = O marks
Marks will depend on the quality of the comment [SQA]

18. The last question
The final question in Textual Analysis poetry is often worth 5 marks.
It may ask you to refer to the poem as a whole.
Keep in mind the purpose of the poem and its theme.
What did the poet want you to consider?
What new insights have you been given?
Refer to key ideas in the poem and
Refer closely to techniques the poet has used
Sound qualities like onomatopoeia, alliteration
Tone / different tones used e.g. a mix of serious and humorous
Structural features such as listing, alliteration, length of lines, order of words, types of sentences, repetition
Imagery used [metaphor, simile, personification

19. Try one of these
How does the last verse / lines…. add to your understanding of the poem as a whole?
How successfully has the poet conveyed his message in this poem?
How effective has the poet been in conveying his feelings about……?