Understanding the Poet's Intent:
* Theme and Message: What's the central idea or concept the poem explores? What message is the poet trying to convey about life, love, loss, nature, or any other subject?
* Purpose: Why did the poet write this poem? Was it to entertain, provoke thought, share an emotion, tell a story, or create a specific atmosphere?
* Tone and Mood: What emotional feeling does the poem evoke in the reader? Is it happy, sad, angry, humorous, or something else?
Examining the Poem's Form and Structure:
* Literary Devices: How does the poet use figurative language (metaphor, simile, personification), imagery, symbolism, rhyme, rhythm, and other techniques to achieve their purpose?
* Structure: How is the poem organized? Does it have stanzas, lines, or a specific form like a sonnet or haiku? How does the structure contribute to the overall meaning?
* Sound and Rhythm: How does the poet use sound devices like alliteration, assonance, and consonance to create a musical effect? How does the rhythm contribute to the poem's impact?
Connecting to the Reader's Experience:
* Personal Interpretation: How does the poem resonate with your own life experiences and emotions?
* Universal Themes: Does the poem explore themes that are relevant to all human beings, regardless of their individual circumstances?
In essence, analyzing a poem is about decoding the poet's intentions and appreciating the artistry with which they communicate their ideas and emotions. It's an ongoing dialogue between the reader and the poem, where meaning is constantly being created and interpreted.