How do I analyse a poem?

As you approach a poem you should consider dividing your analysis into different sections such as form, structure and language. To begin, you should try to understand the content to an extent and then take a look at the structure of the poem; the stanza length, rhyme scheme, rhythm and pattern. Once you have deduced a few of these structural features, apply them to the content to explore why the poet perhaps used them and what they convey. Similarly, take a look at stylistic features such as tone and explore the significance of these choices in the context of the poem. To analyse the language, I would suggest focusing on small parts of the poem to draw out a few techniques used by the poet. These could be the use of alliteration or metaphors, for example. To conclude your analysis, draw all of your discoveries together and it might be useful to see how each aspect influences others.