Poets often use figurative language to communicate meaning in a unique and creative way. It’s important to spend ample time discussing and analyzing the various types of figurative language with students. If a student understands metaphor, alliteration, onomatopoeia and the other forms of figurative language, he or she will be better equipped to interpret a poem that employs the use of figurative language.
A poet is hyperaware of the flow and movement of each poem’s verse. Punctuation greatly contributes to the way a poem is read and interpreted, so it’s essential to inform students of fundamental punctuation principles and how they apply to reading poetry. For example, if there isn’t a punctuation mark at the end of a written line, the reader should continue to the next line with only the briefest pause or none at all.
Even though a poem stands on its own as a singular, cohesive piece of writing, it’s often helpful and informative to have a poem’s historical context available to put it into better perspective. A poem that makes many references and allusions to a surrounding strife may make more sense if the exact geographical location and time period of the poem is known. Also, if it is known that a poem was written in reaction to a painting, being able to see the painting will add great understanding to the poem’s message.
At the core of many great pieces of writing is driving and engaging conflict. This is true of many poems, and for students to be able to identify when conflict is present in a poem and why, it will broaden their understanding of the particular poem and poetry in general. Conflict and conflict resolution are often monumental in the formation of a fulfilled piece of writing, and if students are able to see what conflict does to a poem, it will broaden their appreciation for the art form.