How to analyse a poem?

When analysing a poem, I find that using the method ‘SMILE’ is very helpful. SMILE stands for:S - StructureM - MeaningI - ImageryL - LanguageE - Effect When looking at a poem, you should always try to find a few points for each of these letters, and most importantly, think about the final letter (effect). You should always think about the effect of what the writer has done, whether that is the effect of the structure of the effect of the language used. If you stick to this method when analysing a poem, you should find the right points to write about in an essay.

GV
Answered by Grace V. English Literature tutor

3853 Views

See similar English Literature GCSE tutors

Related English Literature GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How can I communicate my ideas clearly when writing an essay?


Analyse the following extract from 'The Good Morrow' by John Donne


"Starting with this speech, explain how far you think Shakespeare presents Lady Macbeth as a powerful woman."


But how can we be sure that is what the author intended?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning