What points should I consider when writing an analysis of a poem?

Make sure you read the entirety of the poem before you start thinking of starting a plan. In order to make more specific points in your essay later on, you need to be able to understand it within the context of the poem itself. What do you think the poem is about? You don’t have to be completely sure just yet but you need to think about it as soon as you start reading the poem. Track how the mood or narrative changes through each stanza or line. Is there a turn in the middle of the poem? Who is speaking and how does the historical period shape their perspective? Note down important words, imagery, and figurative language that you find interesting throughout the poem. Don’t focus on one specific bit of the poem that you find fascinating- you need to cover the whole poem. Track how the language changes and perhaps start to group them into different themes. Take care to notice how the language interacts with the metre and form because making links between them can strengthen your argument and make it more persuasive in any essay you might write. After you have considered what it could be about, think about how the form and metre might influence the meaning of the poem. If the poem is a sonnet then consider how it shapes the poem- is it romantic? If the poet uses a form that contradicts the general mood of the poem be sure to note this down- it could make a very good point for your essay. Writing about the metre of the poem can also be an important element of the poem to consider but be cautious in your approach. Try not to point out the obvious. Iambic pentameter might be used in the poem but ask yourself why- if the answer is not particularly interesting, don’t focus on it. Sometimes irregularities in the metre are better to analyse because they often show a disruption or upheaval of convention which can deepen your understanding of the meaning of the poem.