Explicating Poetry

Analyzing Poetry Things to look atThings to look at PlotPlot CharacterCharacter SettingSetting Syntax & DictionSyntax & Diction Imagery (most important in poetry)Imagery (most important in poetry) ThemeTheme Closed or open structureClosed or open structure Look at words and ask why whoever wrote this wants it to stand outLook at words and ask why whoever wrote this wants it to stand out

Analyzing Poetry PlotPlot What is the sequence of events in the poem?What is the sequence of events in the poem? CharacterCharacter Who are the characters?Who are the characters? Dynamic or static?Dynamic or static? Round or flat? (multi-dimensional vs. single dimension)Round or flat? (multi-dimensional vs. single dimension) SettingSetting Where do the events in the poem take place?Where do the events in the poem take place? Sequential, flash back, hidden clues, stated?Sequential, flash back, hidden clues, stated?

Analyzing Poetry SyntaxSyntax Relevant because word order is important just like ingredients in a recipeRelevant because word order is important just like ingredients in a recipe

Analyzing Poetry ImageryImagery Metaphor, simile, personification, paradox, overstatement (hyperbole), understatement, verbal irony (sarcasm), allusionMetaphor, simile, personification, paradox, overstatement (hyperbole), understatement, verbal irony (sarcasm), allusion

Analyzing Poetry ThemeTheme The plot + all other elements = themeThe plot + all other elements = theme Love & jealousyLove & jealousy Good & evilGood & evil

“Penelope” by Dorothy Parker PlotPlot He works on the sea, far away from the speaker at homeHe works on the sea, far away from the speaker at home She sits at home working and tending to what callsShe sits at home working and tending to what calls He gets all the creditHe gets all the credit CharacterCharacter All characters are static, unchangingAll characters are static, unchanging All characters are flat, single dimensionAll characters are flat, single dimension

“Penelope” by Dorothy Parker SettingSetting Stated, on the sea and at homeStated, on the sea and at home Syntax & DictionSyntax & Diction “pathway of the sun,” “footsteps of the breeze, “ride the silver seas, “cut the glittering wave”“pathway of the sun,” “footsteps of the breeze, “ride the silver seas, “cut the glittering wave” “sit at home,” “heed a neighbor’s knock,” “brew my tea,” “snip my thread,” “bleach the linen for my bed”“sit at home,” “heed a neighbor’s knock,” “brew my tea,” “snip my thread,” “bleach the linen for my bed” “They will call him brave”“They will call him brave”

“Penelope” by Dorothy Parker Imagery (most important in poetry)Imagery (most important in poetry) What imagery is presented in his actions against the speaker’s?What imagery is presented in his actions against the speaker’s? ThemeTheme Excitement vs. boredomExcitement vs. boredom Freedom vs. lonelinessFreedom vs. loneliness Appreciation vs. lack of appreciationAppreciation vs. lack of appreciation

“One Perfect Rose” by Dorothy Parker You do itYou do it