Select a poem that is appropriate for your level and interests. Read the poem you are going to use for your essay several times, both silently and aloud. Analyze the meaning. Determine what ideas the poet is trying to communicate. Ask yourself: Who is the speaker? To whom is he speaking? Is the speaker telling a story or describing an emotion? Jot down these ideas to be referred to when you begin the actual writing.
Make a list of unfamiliar vocabulary words and look these up in the dictionary. Once the thesis is established, look at the specific poetic terminology and see if you can identify words in the poem that fit these classifications. For example, look for "metaphors," a comparison between two unlike things; "similes," which compare items using "as" and "like; "personification," where human characteristics are given to a nonhuman thing; and images or word pictures. Spot the use of alliteration, the repetition of like sounds (usually initial consonants). Find examples (zany zebras, ten tiny tots) of these in the poem and jot them in your notes to be incorporated into your essay later on. If you're still unsure, consult the teacher.
Analyze the use of stanzas or sections dividing the poem. Does this add or detract to the poem? Why do you think the poet used these? Identify the meter, which uses stressed and unstressed words to give poems a rhythm not found in essays. Would the poem have been as effective if written as a composition rather than in stanza form with a definite beat? Add these ideas to your notes.
Reread the poem. Look at the notes you have accumulated. Begin your essay by stating the theme or major idea of the poem. For example, is the theme love, death, war, peace or historical events? Be specific and focused in your statement so that your teacher can follow your later analysis.
Divide your paper into the basic organization plan for an essay, which includes an introduction, body and conclusion. Write an outline of these in sentence form. The introduction should, in addition to the thesis statement, tell the setting of the poem. Where does it take place? Who are the main characters?
The body should develop these items and should analyze the poetic techniques that the poet used. Specific examples should be used to describe these.They should be related to the thesis and should support your interpretation. If, for example, the poet uses a simile to describe something, ask yourself why that comparison was made. Does this contribute to the success of the poem?
Finally, the conclusion should tie the poem together and leave the reader with an idea to remember.
Look at criticisms of the poem as found on the Internet or in the library. This could augment your own argument and give you additional ideas for your paper. Be sure to cite these sources if you use any.
Reread your essay and check for errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation and use of transitions between paragraphs. Be sure you incorporated the poetic devices along with your analysis of the meaning of the poem. Revise as needed until you are satisfied your work is clean, clear and complete.