How can I analyze this poem - I don't get it.

When analyzing poems, it's usually most frutiful to start with the basics and then move up from there. First of all, think: what message does the poet want to send? Is s/he being positive or negative? Is s/he happy or sad? Why is this the case and how do you know?

This is basic stuff, but it gets the student beyond the "I don't get it" mindset. From this point, it becomes much easier for him to work in ideas about structure and language. It also immediately encourages him to link his points back to the text, which is essential to achieve any passing grade. 

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Answered by Christian C. English Literature tutor

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