Now that you’ve thought about how to read poetry, you’ll read, listen to and study some new poems. When you are exploring a poem, try to answer these three questions:
WHAT is the poet saying? HOW is the poet saying it? HOW do I feel about the poem?
How is the poet saying it? (Illustrate)
Quote using the lines that made a big impression on you – correctly and in inverted commas.
Through language/musical devices
What is the poem saying? (Point)
What is the main message of the poem?
What is the central theme? What is the tone/mood?
How do I feel about the poem/ message? (Explain)
What did I enjoy about this poem?
Can I make a connection between the poem and my own life/memories; or the people or places I know?
Rhyme – for example … Rhythm – for example … Assonance – for example … Alliteration – for example … Repetition – for example … Onomatopoeia – for example …
Through imagery comparisions
Metaphors/similes/ personification/symbolism/ analogies – for example …
Through the style/shape of the poem
E.g. sonnet/lyric – for example …
Literary Devices W7.2
Look at the table below and match each of the poetic devices from the list with the correct definition/example.
Simile Poetic Device Imagery Metaphor Definition
Giving human qualities to a non- human (e.g. animal, idea or thing)
Comparing things without using the words ‘like’ or ‘as’ or ‘than’
D Personification Example ‘Caustic ticking of the clock’
