What are the first things I look for in an unseen poem?

There are several things you should look for to analyse all poems, and as long as you remember them, analysing unseen poetry is easier than it seems. Don’t forget to structure your answer in P.E.E.L (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link). A very important element of poetry is its form. Ask yourself questions such as: What does the poem look like on the page? Is it organised into neat verses with even lines? How long/short is each line? Once you have identified this, move on to what effect this has on the reader. For example, if the poet uses one short line after many long ones, they may be trying to specifically draw the reader’s attention to what that line is saying. When reading poetry it is very important to look at the rhythm. You should be familiar with iambic pentameter, which many poets use. This is when a line has 10 syllables and an unstressed/stressed pattern. It often sounds like the steady rhythm of a horse’s hooves on the ground. The poet may use this rhythm to make their poem more monotonous or to keep the reader at a steady pace throughout. You must also look at the rhyme. The easier way to do this is to go through the poem and put a letter at the end of each line—use the same letter if two or more lines rhyme. This will help you decide if the rhyme scheme is constant or irregular. Determining the rhyme of the poem can often help you understand what type of poem it is. Sonnets, for example, usually consist of 14 lines with a set pattern of rhyme, ending in a rhyming couplet. A rhyming couple are two lines that rhyme. This kind of constant rhyme scheme often creates a romantic tone, which correlates with the fact that sonnets are often about love. You should also look at any imagery such as metaphors, similes, alliteration, repetition, personification, rhetorical questions, etc.