How should I approach poetry analysis?

A good way to approach poetry analysis is asking yourself "what effect is the poet trying to create?" and "how does the poet do this?" Remembering 'PETAL' which stands for point, evidence, technique, analysis, link may help you structure your essays. You should present your line of argument or point, and ensure that you support this with a quote or reference, because marks can easily be lost if you don't provide evidence of your points. Referring to techniques, (such as language techniques like metaphors, similes etc) demonstrates that you have paid attention to how the poet has created a certain effect, and shows your poetry knowledge. A lot of marks then rely on how effectively you develop your essay - ask yourself "why" the poet used certain words, structures, rhythms etc, and analyse and explain the effect that this has created. It is then very important to link your essay back to the question. It can be very easy to get carried away with quotations and analysis, to the point where you no longer answer the question and this can lose you marks. So, make sure you refer to the question, and that the points, evidence and analysis you provide is relevant to the question asked.