Poetry can often be the most daunting part of English for many high school students. Unlike novels and films which are far more commonplace in everyday life, poetry can seem abstract, vague and overly complex. I have several tips to share which can help students overcome their fears and gain more confidence in analysing poetry.

1. Start with the title.
The titles of poems often encapsulate the main idea of the poem. It may seem obvious, but students often overlook the title and solely focus on the content. In reality, you are allowed to analyse the title, and as it’s an important feature of the text, this is encouraged. The title will likely also state the subject of the poem, which is useful to know before you begin reading.

2. Don’t overcomplicate it.
Some students can develop a habit of overanalysing poetry on the first read, and expecting every word to hold a deeper meaning. This approach can make it difficult to understand what the poem is actually about. Poetry is often more direct than it may seem. I would recommend reading the poem and first taking it at face value. Then, use context and line-by-line analysis to gauge any deeper meanings or symbolism.

3. Focus on macrotechniques
When analysing a poem, don’t worry so much about tiny techniques and analysing the deeper meaning of the word “and”. Instead, look for broader techniques, such as motif or voice. This strengthens analysis and also makes easier because there’s no need to worry about memorising obscure techniques like anadiplosis or epizeuxis.

Hopefully these simple tips help students approach poetry analysis with more confidence!

Enya Rose