1. What is the overall theme or main idea of the poem? Try to identify the central message or concept that the poet is exploring in the poem.
2. How does the poet use imagery, figurative language, and symbolism to create meaning? Pay attention to the specific words, phrases, and figurative devices used in the poem and consider how they contribute to the overall meaning.
3. What kind of emotions or feelings does the poem evoke in you? Think about how the poem's language, imagery, and tone affect your emotional response.
4. How does the poem's structure and form contribute to its meaning? Consider how the poem is organized, including its line length, rhyme scheme, and stanza structure, and think about how these elements enhance or shape the poem's message.
5. What is the speaker's perspective or point of view in the poem? Try to identify the speaker's voice or narrative stance in the poem and consider how it influences the interpretation of the poem.
6. How does the poem relate to other works by the same poet or to the broader literary context of the time in which it was written? Consider the poet's style, themes, and the literary movements or cultural influences of the period.
7. What kind of sound effects and musical elements are used in the poem? Think about the poem's use of rhythm, rhyme, alliteration, and other sound devices, and how they contribute to the poem's overall impact.
8. How does the poem use irony, allusion, or intertextual references to deepen its meaning? Consider any references or connections the poem makes to other texts, works of art, or cultural contexts.
9. What questions or unresolved elements does the poem leave you with? Think about any lingering questions or ambiguities that the poem creates and consider how they add to the poem's depth and complexity.
10. How does the poem resonate with your own experiences or thoughts? Reflect on how the poem relates to your own personal experiences, emotions, or perspectives.
Asking these types of questions can help you engage with the poem on multiple levels, enriching your understanding and appreciation of the poetic work.