Q&A for How to Understand a Poem

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How do you understand poetry?

Christopher Taylor, PhD
English Professor
Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014.

Christopher Taylor, PhD

English Professor

Expert Answer

The best way to make sense of a poem is to carefully read it aloud several times.

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How do you know the theme of a poem?

Christopher Taylor, PhD
English Professor
Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014.

Christopher Taylor, PhD

English Professor

Expert Answer

Think about the title, structure, use/repetition of words, and the literary devices of the poem to help determine the poem's main idea. If you are having trouble with these, consider also the background of the author.

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Question

How do you read poetry?

Christopher Taylor, PhD
English Professor
Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014.

Christopher Taylor, PhD

English Professor

Expert Answer

Read poems aloud multiple times to get a feel for the rhythm and sound. Mark down notes as you read to help you better understand what the poem is about and how it creates that meaning.

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Question

What techniques can I use to better understand a poem within a short time frame, such as on an exam or test?

Community Answer

Read the poem out loud to yourself or in your head several times. Circle and underline key words or lines, noting words or lines that are repeated in the poem. Consider the title within the context of the poem. Look for figurative language (metaphor, simile, imagery) and consider the tone and mood of the speaker in the poem. Try your best to answer the question, What is the poem about? with detailed sentences, focusing on the literal and figurative meaning of the poem.

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One long paragraph is not a rhyme pattern. What would it be called?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Paragraphs don't appear in poetry. You would find them only in prose.

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I can't read poems aloud in exam conditions. What could I do instead?

Community Answer

Read under your breath if possible, or else make a conscious effort to "say" the words in your head, focusing on what the words *would* sound like.

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