1. Look at the Diction:
* Word Choice: Pay attention to the specific words used. Are they formal or informal? Positive or negative?
* Example: "Joy" vs. "Ecstasy" convey different levels of happiness.
* Imagery: How does the poem use sensory details (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch)? Do they create a positive, negative, or neutral atmosphere?
* Example: "The sun poured through the leaves, dappling the forest floor" evokes a sense of peace and beauty.
2. Consider the Structure and Form:
* Rhythm and Rhyme: Do they create a sense of urgency, calm, or humor?
* Example: A fast-paced, rhyming poem might feel more energetic than a slow, free verse poem.
* Stanza Length and Structure: Do they create a sense of movement or stillness?
* Example: Long, flowing stanzas might suggest a contemplative attitude, while short, choppy stanzas might suggest anxiety or tension.
3. Analyze the Speaker:
* Who is the speaker? Is it the poet directly, or a created character? How does the speaker feel about the subject?
* What is the speaker's tone? Is it serious, playful, ironic, sarcastic, angry, or sad?
4. Identify the Theme:
* What is the main idea of the poem?
* How does the attitude relate to the theme? Does it emphasize the theme, contrast with it, or even challenge it?
5. Look for Figurative Language:
* Metaphor, Simile, Personification: How do these devices affect the reader's understanding of the poem's attitude?
* Example: "The wind whispered secrets" personifies the wind, suggesting a gentle and mysterious attitude.
Examples of Attitudes:
* Hopeful: "The sun will rise again."
* Despair: "All is lost."
* Joyful: "Let us celebrate!"
* Angry: "I will not be silenced!"
* Humorous: "Life is a joke, but a funny one."
Remember: There is no one "right" answer. Poetry is subjective, and different readers may interpret the attitude differently. The important thing is to consider the different elements of the poem and how they work together to create a specific effect.