How to Read a Poem

STEP 4

Annotate. What does this mean? -really like, -reminds you of something else, -think is interesting, -find confusing, -suspect might be important but don't know why.

STEP 6

Identify the NARRATOR. why is this important? Figure out who is speaking in the poem. What do you know about this narrator? What is the narrator's tone? How does the narrator impact the message?

LAST STEP (step 9)

Read the poem one or more time, aloud if possible.

STEP 8

figure out the STRUCTURE. this includes: what's interesting about the rhyme scheme, the meter of the lines, or the physical layout.

STEP 7

notice SHIFTS or CHANGES. list two such words: "but" or "however"

STEP 3

read the POEM ALL THE WAY THORUGH

STEP 2

read the TITLE. then STOP. why?

STEP 1

show no FEAR. Will i understand everything on the first reading? Is that okay/normal?

STEP 5

use a DICTIONARY to look up any words I don't know