1. An introduction to Analyzing Poetry Mrs. Hudson
SOAPSTone
An introduction to Analyzing Poetry
Mrs. Hudson

2. What is SOAPSTone? Speaker: The voice that tells the story
Objective summary: The objective “gist” of the piece
Audience: The group of readers to whom this piece is directed
Purpose: The reason behind the text
Syntax and diction: The sentence structure and word choice and their significance in the text
Tone: The attitude of the speaker

3. Speaker WHO IS SPEAKING?
Don’t confuse the author with the speaker. They are two different voices; sometimes two different personas.
Ask yourself: What’s the point of a speaker? Why do we care who is speaking? How does it influence the text? How does it influence the reader?

4. Objective Summary The overall “gist” of the poem or story.
Objective summaries should be short and to the point.
They are objective! In other words, do not include your personal opinion!

5. Audience
While reading the text, it is important to determine WHO THE AUDIENCE IS.
Don’t think an article on the health risks of elementary school cafeteria food is an article for just anyone. Who could an article like that be targeting?

6. Purpose
While reading the text, it is necessary to understand the PURPOSE OF THE TEXT.
Ask yourself: What’s the purpose of the writing? What is it intended to do? What is the speaker hoping to achieve? Is there a goal?
Are they trying to influence consumers to buy a certain product? Vote for a specific politician? Save their money by investing? Send their kids to private school?

7. Syntax and Diction Analyze the author’s choice of syntax and diction
Syntax- sentence structure
Diction- word choice
Why are these things significant? How do they affect the mood or tone of the poem?

8. Syntax- What to look for?
Short sentences vs long sentences? Effect?
Type of punctuation?
Enjambment- a sentence in a poem runs from one line to the next without punctuation:
Example:
With that some cried, "Away!" Straight I Obeyed, and led Full east, a fair, fresh field could spy; Some called it Jacob's bed, A virgin soil which no Rude feet ere trod, Where, since he stepped there, only go Prophets and friends of God.

9. Tone WHAT’S THE TONE OF THE TEXT?
How is the speaker saying what he’s saying? What is his attitude towards the subject?
Use tone words!