Poetry Analysis Checklist
Directions: After choosing a poem / song, that you plan to analyse examine it
carefully by completing the following questions:
Previewing
Title of the Poem / Song: ____________________________________________
Name of book you found the poem in / Name of CD the song was produced on:
_________________________________________________________________________
Name of the Poet / Song-writer: ______________________________________
Date written (year/era): ______________________________________________
Poem / Lyrics:
Attach a copy the entire poem / lyrics of the song to this worksheet
The Context:
Find out some information about the poet / songwriter (When was the poem / song
written? Where did the writer live? What influenced them? What emotional events?
What people? What socio / cultural / political events?)
Theme:
What is the main idea in the poem / song? (eg Love / Protest / Ballad / Humorous) What
kind of message is the poem / song conveying? How effective is the port / songwriter at
conveying it?
Tone:
What is the mood of the poem/song?
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Structure and Style
Structure:
How is the poem /song organized? How many verses / stanzas does it have? Is there
any recognisable pattern to the structure (e.g. number of lines per verse) Does it have a
chorus? Does it have a bridge? Does it use refrain? (If so how often is it repeated)?
Sounds:
How does the poem / song sound? Does the writer use alliteration, assonance or
onomatopoeia? If so copy out some examples:
For a song comment also on the melody:
Rhythm:
Is there a repetitive rhythm or beat? (Count the syllables then comment on whether you
can identify a pattern eg 10/12/10/12 - 8/8/8 - 10/12/10/12). How does the rhythm
contribute to momentum of the poem / song? Is it an important part of the way it sounds
/ flows?
Rhyme:
Are there any rhymes and where they occur? (The use of words with matching sounds,
usually at the end of each line.) Does it have a rhyme scheme? (A pattern) If so,
describe it?
Repetition:
Are there any words or names that are repeated or stand out (These may be in a chorus
or refrain). If so quote some obvious examples here:
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Style: Techniques Used
Imagery:
What are the major images, metaphors or similes in the poem / song? Do they have
symbolic meaning? Is there any personification? Copy examples below, and explain in
detail what is being compared. Are they effective comparisons? Explain why, or why
not?
Symbols:
Does the poem / song use symbolism? (Include the description of things that represent
ideas / emotions / values?
Allusion:
Does the poem/song use allusions? References to other poems / songs / literature / TV
shows or aspects of popular culture.
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Feeling and Connections
What is the mood or tone of the poem / song?
How do you feel when you read / hear it?
Social Context:
Where did you first read / hear it? Was anyone with you? If so who?
How does this poem / song connect to you?
Does it remind you of special events / people / places? Does it evoke feelings of
nostalgia?
How effective is this poem / song?
How relevant is it to your personal experiences, knowledge, values and beliefs?
Why did you choose it?
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