What are the key elements you might identify when analysing a poem?

Try to spot the overarching message of the poem and the themes are touched upon. It is also important to identify the key techniques are used (e.g. characterization/ imagery/ sibilance/ metaphore). The form of the poem can also be very important. Is there a rhyming scheme? Is the poem structured or hectic? Is it written in formal or casual language? What is the tone?

Having identified these elements the next stage is to evaluate components: What do they achieve? Do they place emphasis on certain parts of the poem? Are the choices that have been made effective?