* Simply summarizing the plot or story. While understanding the narrative is important, a good analysis goes beyond simply retelling what happened.
* Focusing solely on personal opinions and feelings. While your personal connection to the poem can be valuable, your analysis should be grounded in evidence from the text itself.
* Ignoring the poem's form and structure. A poem's structure (rhyme scheme, meter, stanzas) and form (sonnet, haiku, free verse) can reveal a lot about the poet's intentions.
* Over-reliance on outside resources. While research can be helpful, your analysis should primarily focus on what you see in the poem itself. Don't rely on secondary sources to do the work for you.
* Ignoring the historical context. Understanding the time period and cultural influences surrounding the poem can add valuable depth to your analysis.
Instead, a good analysis of a poem involves:
* Identifying the central theme or idea.
* Analyzing the language and imagery.
* Examining the structure and form.
* Considering the speaker and the tone.
* Drawing connections to historical and cultural context.
Remember, analyzing a poem is an exercise in critical thinking and interpretation. There's no single right answer, but focusing on the elements listed above will help you develop a thoughtful and insightful analysis.