Here's why:
* Hear the rhythm and rhyme: Poems are written to be heard. Reading aloud helps you experience the rhythm, rhyme scheme, and musicality of the poem. This can reveal layers of meaning and emotion that you might miss when reading silently.
* Identify the speaker: The voice of the poem, the speaker, is often crucial to understanding the message. Reading aloud helps you hear the speaker's tone, attitude, and perspective.
* Focus on the imagery: Poets often use vivid language and imagery to create a picture in the reader's mind. Hearing these images spoken aloud can make them even more powerful and evocative.
* Engage with the emotions: Reading a poem aloud allows you to connect with the emotions it evokes. The tone of your voice and the pauses you take can emphasize the feelings expressed in the poem.
After reading the poem aloud, you can then start to analyze it more deeply by considering:
* The poem's structure and form: What kind of poem is it? Is it a sonnet, a haiku, a free verse poem? What effect does the form have on the poem's meaning?
* The poem's themes and ideas: What is the poem about? What are the main themes?
* The poem's language and imagery: What kind of language does the poet use? Are there any metaphors, similes, or other figures of speech?
* The poem's impact on you: How does the poem make you feel? What thoughts or questions does it raise in you?
Remember, there is no one right way to read a poem. The most important thing is to find an approach that works for you and allows you to appreciate the poem's beauty and complexity.