WHAT IS POETRY?

Definition:
Poetry is a literary composition, which expresses thoughts, emotions, feelings and ideas; in a very concise and compact form.

Tips for Effective Reading, Analyzing and Understanding Poetry:

1) Question:
While reading a poem, ask questions about the effect of the words.
Think about the word pictures, symbols and imagery:

What do they make you see?

How do they make you feel?

What do they make you feel or perceive?

2) Clarify:
As you read poetry, pause to clarify - to ask if the words mean exactly what they say (literary meaning), or if the words suggest something else beyond their basic literary meaning (figurative language).

3) Listen:
Lyrical poetry has musical attributes.
Therefore, to fully enjoy it, listen to the music created by the rhythm and rhyme patterns.
Consider the effect of the repetition of sounds, words and phrases.

4) Summarize:
Narrative poems tell stories.
Therefore, when you read stop at appropriate points in the story to summarize what has happened so far.

5) Paraphrase:
Ask questions about the theme or meaning of the poem; then put this meaning into your own words, to truly grasp the concept and understanding.

6) Pull It Together:
Poetry consists of words, images, rhythms, rhymes and meaning or message.
Therefore, after you have read a poem, bring the elements together.
Then ask:

What is the content or message of this poem?

How has it communicated to me ?

What lessons are there for me?