Poetry Analysis – Cheat Sheet
The poetry analysis will always ask you to discuss “poetic elements” or “literary techniques” that the
poet uses to convey his or her meaning. The following is a list of the main poetic elements that you should
have in mind when analyzing a poem.
Step One: Read and comprehend the poem. Remember that poems often just convey an emotion,
feeling, or idea. They don’t necessarily tell a complete story. Before analyzing, get a sense of what the
poet is saying. You want to get the gist of it, the general idea.
Step Two: Look for the poetic elements that are the most prevalent or pronounced.
The Elements
Tone: This is the attitude of the speaker of the poem. You always have to consider the tone of the speaker
even if you’re not specifically asked to analyze it. Tone relates to many of elements below. It’s a “bigpicture” or “umbrella” concept. (You should have a “bank” of words in mind: angry, happy, carefree,
bitter, sympathetic, sad, nostalgic, ironic, satirical, etc.)
Repetition: Poets often rely on repetition. This can be words, phrases, sounds, images, ideas. If a poet
repeats something, it takes on more meaning.
Diction: This refers to words. What words does the poet use? Does he repeat any specific words? What
connotation do the words have (positive, negative)?
Syntax/Structure: Do the sentences within the poem or stanzas have a recognizable structure? Does the
structure or pattern change at a specific moment?
Imagery (sensory details): This refers to the images of the poem, especially those that appeal to many
senses (sight, sound, taste, touch, smell).
Sounds: Sound is often conveyed in poetry. Look for rhyme and repetition, and things such as
alliteration, consonance, and assonance (which are repetitions of specific types of sound).
Metaphors/Similes: Comparisons are often used to support imagery, but they can also be used to anchor
a poem, to convey a poem’s main message. Any time a poet compares something to something else, you
should take note of it.
Irony: This is HUGE in poetry. If something is said or happens that is unexpected, it’s ironic. If it’s
sarcastic or satirical, it’s ironic. If you can recognize irony, you’re golden.
Allusion: This is a literary or historical reference. It is not as common on the AP exam, but you should
know what it is and how it works.
Rhythm/Rhyme: This is covered with other elements above. This just refers to the recognizable pattern
of a poem that gives it a sense of rhythm and flow.