How do I analyse unseen poetry?

Unseen poetry is one of the hardest parts of English Literature as the lack of focused preparation can be daunting. However, revision will still make a huge difference to your mark as recognising common features of poetry and being able to analyse them is what these questions are all about.Start by reading over the poem carefully. If you need to choose from a collection of poems, pick one which you understand well and preferably focuses on a theme that you’ve looked at before. After the first reading, go through the poem again more slowly, looking at how the poem is structured and what literary techniques are used. Annotating the poem in detail will provide you with a plan to follow as you write your essay and help you stay focused on the question. Remember to consider what type of poem it is and how the structure alters the atmosphere of the piece. Don’t forget to analyse the title as it is the poet’s summary of his or her work and gives an indication of the message they are trying to get across. You should have a strong understanding of techniques like metaphors, alliteration and enjambment so that you can analyse the meaning behind each quote. Some exam boards require you to compare and contrast two poems which means you should be looking for quotes that complement each other and show how the theme can be portrayed in different ways.Begin your essay with a clear introduction which demonstrates to the examiner that you understand the question and the main themes of the poem. The main bulk of your essay should then dissect the quotes you feel best support your argument. Plurality is a good way to ensure that your essay is going into enough depth. Look at how the quote could be interpreted in different ways or how multiple techniques are being used in conjunction with each other to strengthen the meaning. Your conclusion should summarise the points you have made and how this supports your argument. Using the wording of the question is a good way to show that your essay has remained focused.