How would you approach an unseen poem?

Before starting anything read the poem through twice. The first time read it just to understand meaning and get a grasp of what the author might be trying to say. The second time read the poem and highlight any literary devices which you recognise. The things you highlight can be used as evidence to back up your argument when you write your answer. Now begin your more in-depth, use this method which can be replicated every time. Look at the title: how much does it tell you about the poem? Does the author use any literary devices? In relation to the poem do you think the title is relevant? Now looking at the poem, what is the message and purpose? Is it immediately clear? Does the purpose become clearer as the poem progresses and how does it link to the key themes? Now consider the techniques used by the author. What key devices are used? How and why might the author have used this? What kind of tone or mood do they create? Structure is the next important aspect. How does the poem look on the page? What effect does the layout have on the mood of the poem eg. an uneven layout creates a feeling of chaos. How many stanzas are there? Why might this be important? eg. an uneven number of stanzas could portray a feeling of something being unfinished. Are there any rhyming patterns? Why might these be important?Finally it is important to reference the form of the poem as often it is a clue to the mood of a poem. For example sonnets are traditionally about love and elegies are often associated with death.