General Questions:
* What aspects of childhood are emphasized in the poem? (play, innocence, wonder, responsibility, etc.)
* What is the tone of the poem towards childhood? (nostalgic, wistful, critical, celebratory, etc.)
* Does the poem present a singular view of childhood, or are there multiple perspectives?
* How does the poem's language and imagery contribute to the portrayal of childhood?
More Specific Questions:
* How are children depicted in the poem? (active, passive, independent, dependent, etc.)
* What are the relationships between children and adults like in the poem? (harmonious, strained, absent, etc.)
* Are there any specific events or experiences that shape the poem's attitude towards childhood?
* How does the poem's historical context influence its view of childhood?
* What does the poem suggest about the transition from childhood to adulthood?
Example:
Let's say you're analyzing William Blake's "The Chimney Sweeper." You could ask:
* How does Blake portray the experience of childhood in the poem?
* What is the tone of the poem regarding childhood?
* What are the consequences of child labor on the children's lives?
* What is the poem's message about the nature of innocence and experience?
By asking these kinds of questions, you can begin to unpack the poem's complex attitudes towards childhood and gain a deeper understanding of the poet's message.