How am I to approach an unseen poem?

*** Firstly, you need to read the poem to discover its subject matter (for example, a love poem). Whilst doing this, it’s also important to consider the perspective of the speaker in the poem in regards to this subject matter (for example, if the speaker is in love or is heartbroken). This step will shape your priorities in the next stages of analysing, and will allow you to easily make links between points.

*** Secondly, you need to discover the poem’s message, meaning what it’s trying to tell the reader (for example, the speaker could be warning you about falling in love). Literature can teach us valuable life lessons, particularly in an emotional context, making it likely that your unseen poem is attempting this also. This step will help you in your conclusion, as you will have considered whether the poet has or hasn’t successfully portrayed their message.

*** Thirdly, you need to identify the poetic techniques used. This includes; rhetorical devices (metaphors, similes, imagery, alliteration, juxtaposition etc.), structure (stanza length, use of enjambment, etc.), rhythm and tone. After identification, you must consider steps 1 and 2 (subject matter and message) and connect the poetic techniques to them (for example, the use of enjambment in a love poem could be symbolical of disconnection between the two separated persons). This step forms the analytical part of the essay which is key for gaining a top grade.