Clara McLean
English 4
NAME_________________________
Due Date_______________________
Spring 2012
Interpretation Grid: Poetry
Assignment: Do a “close reading” of one of the poems selected in class, moving carefully through its sections to illuminate meanings
(themes) beyond the literal level
Paraphrase:
Quote Key Words and Phrases:
What’s the basic (literal) meaning?
Which words/phrases are most
interesting here?
Why Are These Words
Interesting?
How do they help you understand the
text as a whole?
Definitions? Connotations?
Associations? Image? Sound?
Contrast? Tone? What do these
words bring to your mind?
What ideas here shed light on the meaning
(themes) of the WHOLE poem? Explain.