S.P.I.T.T.

ON POETRY FIVE STEPS TO GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF A POEM:

After having read a poem for the first time, ask yourself the following questions to gain a better understanding of it. Re-read the poem a second time, keeping SPITT in mind.

1. Structure & style:

A) What is the poems layout and structure? (look at how the poem is broken up on a page: stanzas, verses, rhyme scheme, repetition of verses or words) B) In what style is the poem written? (narrative, lyric, message, or combo?) 2. Poetic devices: which poetic devices are used? (rhyme, metaphor, simile, onomatopoeia, alliteration, personification, etc.) 3. Imagery: does the poem use specific words (diction) to create an image for the reader? Which senses are stimulated by the poets imagery (taste, touch, smell, sight, sound)? 4. Tone: what tone is used? (Who is speaking? Was the poem written in the first person or third person?) What mood does the tone of the poem create? (Sad, humorous, calming, sarcastic, severe, joyful, etc.)
5.

Theme: What do you think is the message or main idea of the poem?
Look at the title; does it give you a clue?

How do all of the elements of SPITT contribute to the poems overall meaning and the readers experience of the poem?