Explicating Poetry
Analyzing Poetry
• Things to look at
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Plot
Character
Setting
Syntax & Diction
Imagery (most important in poetry)
Theme
Closed or open structure
Look at words and ask why whoever wrote this wants it
to stand out
Analyzing Poetry
• Plot
• What is the sequence of events in the poem?
• Character
• Who are the characters?
• Dynamic or static?
• Round or flat? (multi-dimensional vs. single dimension)
• Setting
• Where do the events in the poem take place?
• Sequential, flash back, hidden clues, stated?
Analyzing Poetry
• Syntax
• Relevant because word order is important just
like ingredients in a recipe
Analyzing Poetry
• Imagery
• Metaphor, simile, personification, paradox,
overstatement (hyperbole), understatement,
verbal irony (sarcasm), allusion
Analyzing Poetry
• Theme
• The plot + all other elements = theme
• Love & jealousy
• Good & evil
“Penelope” by Dorothy Parker
• Plot
• He works on the sea, far away from the speaker at
home
• She sits at home working and tending to what calls
• He gets all the credit
• Character
• All characters are static, unchanging
• All characters are flat, single dimension
“Penelope” by Dorothy Parker
• Setting
• Stated, on the sea and at home
• Syntax & Diction
• “pathway of the sun,” “footsteps of the breeze, “ride
the silver seas, “cut the glittering wave”
• “sit at home,” “heed a neighbor’s knock,” “brew my
tea,” “snip my thread,” “bleach the linen for my
bed”
• “They will call him brave”
“Penelope” by Dorothy Parker
• Imagery (most important in poetry)
• What imagery is presented in his actions against the
speaker’s?
• Theme
• Excitement vs. boredom
• Freedom vs. loneliness
• Appreciation vs. lack of appreciation
“One Perfect Rose” by Dorothy Parker
• You do it