1. How to Analyze a Poem
Every word counts!

2. Steps
Read through the entire poem once out loud. And then again silently. Make sure you know what all the words mean.
Consider paraphrasing stanzas, if needed.
Go through stanza by stanza looking for the elements discussed on the next few slides.
* Remember, a poet has very few words with which to work, so each one has meaning--do not skip any lines! Nothing in poetry is an accident.

3. Find and analyze any themes in the poem.
Step 3: Themes - the poem’s message about a subject.
What is the subject/topic?
Is there more than one?
What does the author wans the read to know about this subject?
In other words, what’s the
“take away” message?
Theme is universal.
Could this “lesson” be
applied to situations
outside of the poem?

4. Find and analyze any imagery in the poem.
Step 1: Imagery
Sight
Sound
Smell
Touch
Taste
Emotion
How does the imagery contribute to the poem’s theme and tone?

5. Find and analyze any figurative language or other literary devices in the poem.
Step 2: Figurative Language
Personification
Hyperbole
Metaphor
Simile
Onomatopoeia
Alliteration
Idiom
Symbolism
*In addition to finding examples, explain their significance in the poem. What message are they conveying or wo what idea to they draw attention?

6. Find and analyze the mood in the poem.
Step 4: Mood
Mood-The emotions a reader feels towards the text. It is the “atmosphere” a text creates.
What feelings are created?
Does the mood change?
Examples: sorrowful, joy, peaceful, terrifying, intense, exciting, compassionate, etc.

7. Find and analyze the tone in the poem.
Step 5: Tone
Tone- The author’s attitude or perspective towards the subject(s) of the poem?
What is the author’s tone (attitude)?
Is there a connection between the tone and the content of the poem?
What words portray this attitude? It is neutral, negative, or positive?
Examples: Excited, bitter, regretful, compassionate, grateful, loving, etc.

9. Let’s Practice
Jessica walked slowly through the hallway. “Come out, come out, wherever you are!” she squealed. Since the room was dark, she had to feel around for the doorknob to the dining room. As her hand closed around the cool brass knob, she gave it a firm twist to the right, opening the door to the dining hall with a satisfying bang. The long table was illuminated by a stream of moonlight from a large bay window to her right, allowing her to see just enough to bounce into the room. She giggled with nervousness as she took a few steps forward, stopping short at the sight of something shadowy moving in the corner.
What is the mood of this passage?
What words created this mood?

10. Let’s Practice
Jessica walked slowly through the hallway. “Come out, come out, wherever you are!” she squealed. Since the room was dark, she had to feel around for the doorknob to the dining room. As her hand closed around the cool brass knob, she gave it a firm twist to the right, opening the door to the dining hall with a satisfying bang. The long table was illuminated by a ribbon of moonlight from a large bay window to her right, allowing her to see just enough to bounce into the room. She giggled with nervousness as she took a few steps forward, stopping short at the sight of something shadowy moving in the corner.
What is the mood of this passage? Playful
What words create this mood?

11. One more round!
Jessica crept along the darkened hallway. She was conscious of a faint whistling noise as she clutched the wall in front of her for the doorknob that she knew was there, but couldn’t seem to find in her fear. Finally, her hand closed around the brass knob. She attempted to twist the knob open, but the thin layer of sweat on her palm prevented her from getting the solid grip she needed. Finally, the decrepit wooden door swung inward with a groan, unveiling the dim glow of a single moonlit snake etched on the dining room table. Jessica tentatively moved into the room, but suddenly she saw a human-sized silhouette move in the corner of the room - she gasped and shrieked out, “Who’s there!?”
What is the mood of this passage?
What words create this mood?

12. One more round!
Jessica crept along the darkened hallway. She was conscious of a faint whistling noise as she clutched the wall in front of her for the doorknob that she knew was there, but couldn’t seem to find in her fear. Finally, her hand closed around the brass knob. She attempted to twist the knob open, but the thin layer of sweat on her palm prevented her from getting the solid grip she needed. Finally, the decrepit wooden door swung inward with a groan, unveiling the dim glow of a single moonlit snake etched on the dining room table. Jessica tentatively moved into the room, but suddenly she saw a human-sized silhouette move in the corner of the room - she gasped and shrieked out, “Who’s there!?”
What is the mood of this passage? Fearful and Ominous
What words create this mood?

13. Mary Poppins Trailer-Mood
1. What the trailer and turn to your neighbor to discuss the mood (emotions/atmosphere) the video creates.
2. What elements created this mood?
Marry Poppins Original Trailer

14. Revised Mary Poppins Trailer
1. Now watch the revised Mary Poppins trailer.
2. What is the new mood (emotion/atmosphere)?
3. What elements created this mood?
Revised Mary Poppins Trailer

15. Tone practice
Once again, Keven is late. I can’t wait to hear his excuse this time-that is if he even has any left! I think I’ve heard nearly one thousand tales of lost calendar notices, car emergencies, and broken alarm clocks. One positive note is that this will at least add entertainment to my otherwise dull day, as irritating as he is.
What is the author’s tone towards the subject of Keven being late?
What key words emphasize the tone?

16. Tone practice
Once again, Keven is late. I can’t wait to hear his excuse this time-that is if he even has any left! I think I’ve heard nearly one thousand tales of lost calendar notices, car emergencies, and broken alarm clocks. One positive note is that this will at least add entertainment to my otherwise dull day, as irritating as he is.
What is the author’s tone towards the subject of Keven being late? Annoyed
What key words emphasize the tone?
Turn to your neighbor and paraphrase this passage with an understanding tone.