How do I analyse an unseen poem?

When analysing an unseen poem, think about feelings. Ask yourself three questions: 1) How does the poet feel?2) Why does the poet feel this way? 3) How do you know they feel this way? For example, take a look at Dulce et Decorum Est by Wilfred Owen. First of all, read the poem out loud. While doing that, highlight any words that you think are about feelings. That will be your answer to question 1: How does the poet feel? When you've done that, go back and think about which emotion/emotions these words convey. Is there a common theme running through them? Think about these emotional words as evidence. This is the evidence of why the poet feels the way he/she does. This will be your answer to question 2: Why does the poet feel this way? Then for question 3, all you need to do is link 1 and 2. Link the specific words/devices that the poet has used to the specific emotion and you'll have found out what this poem is about. Remember to talk about specific devices, structure and context and you will successfully analyse any poem.

Answered by Ben W. English tutor

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