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How to Write a Poem Analysis Essay
What is analysis?
•We use this method to respond to ______________ matters.
•We separate _____________ to understand the whole.
Look for…
1.
2.
3 .______________________between the parts of a work
Essential Analysis Questions
•What purpose does this poetic/literary device serve?
•How does the author communicate his or her purpose through this device?
•Why do readers have this response to the poetic device?
Essay Prompt:
How does the poet’s stylistic choices (figurative language and literary devices) contribute the overall
structure, meaning, and impact of the poem?
After reading poems by Bryant, Poe, Dickinson, and Frost, write an essay that addresses the
question and analyzes how the author’s style and use of literary devices effect the presentation and
meaning of the poem, providing examples to clarify your analysis. What conclusion or implications
can you draw?
Before You Write
•Make sure you have all of the _____________ you need.
•_____________________ the poem and write down additional comments.
•Choose three ________________________________ you are going to discuss in your essay.
Essay Tips
1.Your essay must have a _________________________ (stated in your thesis) that governs its
development.
2. Your essay must be __________________________ so that every part contributes something to
the reader’s understanding of the central idea.
3.Assume that your reader is _______________________________ with the author or poem.
4.Tell your reader what the poem is ______________ (not what happens, but what the happenings
add up to).
5.Write in _____________ person!!!
Essay Outline
1.Introduction (Background Information and Thesis)
2.Body Paragraph One (First Poetic Device)
3.Body Paragraph Two (Second Poetic Device)
4.Body Paragraph Three (Third Poetic Device)
5.Conclusion (Review of Main Points and So What? Factor)
Introduction
•_____________________________ – Write three to four sentences that provide background
information about your poem (What is the poem about? When was it written?). Include the title and
author of the poem.
•_____________________________ – three part statement that presents the topic of your essay
Thesis Statement
*The thesis statement tells your reader what to ____________________.
It is a restricted, precisely worded declarative sentence that states the _____________________ of
your essay (the point you are trying to make).
*The thesis statement is usually located at the ___________ of the introduction paragraph.
Thesis Format
(Insert author’s name) uses ________, ________, and ________, (insert three different poetic
devices) in (insert name of “poem”) to (illustrate, convey, reveal, or another verb) (insert the main idea
or purpose of the poem).
Example Thesis Statement:
William Cullen Bryant uses personification, colorful imagery, and metaphors in “Thanatopsis”
to discuss how nature mitigates one’s fears about death.
Note: Use the author’s full name in the introduction, and then use the author’s last name for
the rest of the essay.
Body Paragraph
•Use a _____________ sentence to begin your paragraph.
•Chose ___________ poetic device and discuss THREE examples from the poem.
•__________________ how the device signifies/expresses meaning.
Body Paragraph Format:
•Topic Sentence
•First Example
•Supporting Quote
•Commentary/Connection
•Second Example
•Supporting Quote
•Commentary/Connection
•Third Example
•Supporting Quote
•Commentary/Connection
•Wrap Up Sentence
Conclusion:
•______________ your main points.
•______________ why you think the __________ felt the topic discussed in the poem was important.
•______________ how the topic/main idea of the poem relates to the outside world.