How to Analyse Poetry

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How to Analyse Poems

Thematic ideas

I recommend grouping your techniques to conduct analysis thematically (i.e. writing one paragraph or section of analysis per theme). This is my preference of grouping techniques together because it kept my thinking and writing conceptual, as well as ensured that I had guided, clear arguments. After reading a poem, I would try to think of at least three important ideas that were explored in the poem. I would then construct a table like the following one for British poet Robert Browning’s Porphyria’s Lover with my techniques under themes to organise my annotations and thoughts into a more comprehensive display.

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