1. Pay Attention to Structure and Form:
* Stanza Breaks: Significant shifts in the poem's meaning or focus often occur at stanza breaks.
* Rhyme Scheme and Meter: The way a poem is structured can emphasize certain lines or sections. For example, a shift in rhyme scheme might signal a change in tone or a new development.
* Repetition: Repeated words, phrases, or images likely carry thematic significance.
* Title: The title is a key clue, often hinting at the main idea of the poem.
2. Analyze the Imagery and Figurative Language:
* Simile and Metaphor: These figures of speech reveal hidden meanings and connections, offering insights into the poem's central theme.
* Symbolism: Certain objects, colors, or actions often represent abstract concepts.
* Sensory Details: Focus on how the poet uses sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. These details contribute to the poem's overall message.
3. Consider the Tone and Mood:
* Word Choice: Examine the diction. Does the poet use formal or informal language? Are the words positive, negative, or neutral?
* Figurative Language: Does the poet use metaphors, similes, or other figures of speech that create a particular atmosphere or mood?
* Sound Devices: Alliteration, assonance, and consonance can contribute to the poem's overall effect.
4. Identify the Speaker and Their Perspective:
* Who is speaking? Is it a character, a narrator, or the poet themself?
* What is their point of view? Are they objective or subjective?
* What is their relationship to the subject matter? Do they have a particular stake in the outcome?
5. Look for Themes and Motifs:
* Central Idea: What is the poem ultimately "about"? What message is the poet trying to convey?
* Recurring Elements: Do certain images, symbols, or ideas appear repeatedly throughout the poem?
* Connections: How does the poem relate to the poet's life, their time period, or other literary works?
6. Consider the Context:
* Historical Context: What was happening in the world at the time the poem was written?
* Literary Context: How does the poem fit into the larger literary tradition?
* Personal Context: What do we know about the poet's life and experiences?
Example:
"Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost:
* Structure: The poem is divided into four quatrains with a simple rhyme scheme.
* Imagery: The poem uses vivid imagery of snow, woods, and a dark forest.
* Tone: The tone is quiet and contemplative.
* Speaker: The speaker is a traveler who is tempted to stay in the woods.
* Theme: The poem explores themes of nature, solitude, and the pull of the unknown.
By analyzing these aspects, we can understand that the poem's most important events are the speaker's encounter with the woods and their decision to continue on their journey. The main idea is about the conflict between the desire for peace and the need to fulfill one's obligations.