Name:

Class:

READING

Annotating and Analyzing Poetry

1. READ POEM COMPLETELY. If you need to, read it twice. 2. Make a note in the margin: What can you infer about the poem based on the title? 3. Make a note in the margin: What can you tell about the speaker of the poem? Consider what the poem is about and what he/she says. 4. Circle words: Which words sound strong, striking; which ones do you like/respond to? 5. Highlight/underline: Which phrases/images/lines are particularly memorable for their imagery, sound, or use of a poetic device? 6. Write in the margins: What is the author trying to convey to the reader? What is he/she trying to show/explain to the reader? 7. Write in the margins: use a symbol (star, arrow, exclamation point, etc) and ALSO write a note: Indicate which words/lines/phrases/images/poetic devices seem particularly important to the message of the poem. Write down a word/phrase/sentence about what makes it important (connect them to possible theme). 8. Write at the bottom of the page: Write two-three sentences about what you think the authors theme (central message) is