How do you approach an unseen poem?

​​​​​ Read the poem twice and think about any key themes that first jump out at you. After carefully reading the poem begin to annotate it, paying particular attention to any literary devices used by the poet such as metaphors, alliteration or the use of rhyme. Then consider the significance of these devices and their effect on the poem. Ask yourself how you feel after reading the poem. Is this due to the inclusion of an emotive theme or the use of a particular rhyme scheme? Form and structure are very important when writing about poetry. If you recognise the poem as conforming to a particular form, such as a sonnet or ballad, take note of this. Keep your introduction short, briefly summarise the poem and introduce your interpretation and the aspects of the poem you will be focusing on. Rather than going through the poem line by line think thematically. If a certain theme was the focus of the poem you could separate your paragraphs into different ways the theme is presented and how the poet uses devices to achieve this. Try to be as thorough as you can and make sure all points are fully exemplified using quotations from the text.