How do I analyse a poem?

Analysing poetry is something that some people find natural, but others struggle with. There are, however, a couple of simple steps you can follow to make the process easier and write very good poetry analyses. First, read the poem over twice or even three times, and then:1.      Look at the title, hen the first and last lines of the poem. How and why are they significant, what wording is used, do they differ in length or structure to other lines in the poem?2.      Look at the rhyme scheme is it regular or not? Is there a pattern? Does it break? If so, why do you think that is?3.      Pick a few key nouns from the poem – names, nouns which are repeated or potential symbols – along with the adjectives that describe them. Why are those nouns important? Why are those specific adjectives used? Wrap it up with a brief conclusion that summarises the arguments you've made.

BK
Answered by Berenika K. English tutor

1704 Views

See similar English IB tutors

Related English IB answers

All answers ▸

What is the best way to structure an English Internal Oral Commentary (IOC)?


Using two or more of your drama texts, assess the ways in which the playwrights portray the human condition.


How do you structure and analyse in a commentary ?


In what ways and to what effect does E. M. Forster explore the theme of class disparity within Howards End?


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