What is the difference between language, structure and form in analysis of poetry?

Language: To analyse language we analyse the poet's choice and use of lexis. It's helpful to ask: What connotations does a word carry and why might the poet have chosen to use this specific word? What language features are present in the text (eg. simile, pathetic fallacy, anthropomorphism) and how are these techniques effective in establishing mood, creating subtext and engaging the reader. Form: To analyse form we look at the poem's construction. For this we ask: What type of poem is it? What metre is used and what rhythm does this create? How does it look on the page- are there structural features eg. Caesura, enjambment present and how do these shape the reading of the poem? Structure: To analyse structure we focus on the relationship between parts of the poem. Where form is a clinical dissection of a poem's composition, structure is a more overarching analysis. We ask: How do themes develop from the first stanza to the last? Is there repetition or use of motifs? How does the poem open and close?

RB
Answered by Rachael B. English Literature tutor

8476 Views

See similar English Literature GCSE tutors

Related English Literature GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How is power presented in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’?


Is Doctor Faustus an updated morality play or is it a reflection on a God who allows his subjects no chance from the start?


How should I write an essay introduction?


How do I analyse punctuation and sentence structure in a poem?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning