Poetry Study Chart
1. Poem Title: _________________________________________________________________
a. Make a prediction about the title:
2. Author (poet): _______________________________________________________________
a. Modern or classic?
3. Number of stanzas: _______ Number of lines (if numbered or easy to count): _______
4. Is there a notable structure to the poem (line length, shape on the page, etc.)
5. Read through the poem once and answer these questions about the tone.
a. Positive or negative tone?
b. Word or words to describe the tone: _________________________
6. What is your first impression of what the poem means?
7. What is the type of poem? (narrative; lyrical; free verse; ballad; definition; sonnet; other)
8. Who is the speaker?
9. Language:
a. Words or allusions I had to look up in dictionary:
b. Write any significant or unusual words:
c. Words that may have deeper or secondary meaning:
10. Rhyme pattern (list the rhyme pattern, if there is one):
11. What is one or two examples of figurative language used?
(Simile; Metaphor; Personification; Hyperbole; Symbol)
12. What sound devices are used?
(Alliteration; Onomatopoeia; Assonance)
13. Are there any changes or “shifts” in the poem, especially near the ending? Explain:
14. Write a brief summary or description of the poem ________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
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15. What is the theme (message or feeling expressed in the poem)? _____________________
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