How to analyze the poem

The analysis of the poem is perhaps one of the most difficult kinds of literary criticism. This is due to the specific nature of the poem as a literary work, because it, at times, reflects the author's very subtle and intimate feelings and experiences, which are quite difficult to undergo a cold structural analysis. Nevertheless, in literary criticism and in pedagogical activity there are certain rules that describe in detail how to analyze the poem. In view of these rules, it is possible to draw up a plan-scheme, where the points, in certain order, indicate the main criteria for analysis. So, let's draw up a diagram that clearly answers the question, how do you analyze the poem?

1. First, the name of the poem and its author are indicated, and then it is necessary to tell about the time of the appearance of the work, the history of its creation, where it was written, under what circumstances and to whom it is dedicated. Any literary work, and lyric, including, is necessarily connected with the historical epoch, features of the given period of development of a society. Therefore, the second point of the scheme is quite natural.

2. Reflection in the poem of the era, its historical features.

3. The historical period of time in which the work is written, one way or another, affects its genre singularity. Therefore, it must be characterized by showing the main literary trends and directions close to the author, and how the poem was perceived by contemporaries.

The first three points of the scheme show how to analyze the poem from the point of view of the socio-historical development of society, the relationship between the poet and society and the genre peculiarity of the work.

The next five points of the scheme answer the question: how to do the analysis of the poem from the point of view of its figurative world, and also the construction and development of the conflict in the work.

1. It is necessary to retell the contents of the poem, its plot.

2. The structure of the content will help determine the theme of the poem, as well as the author's main idea and the problem he poses in the work.

3. In any poetic work there is a lyrical hero or image, which in no way can be identified with the author himself. Characteristics of the lyrical hero, his feelings, thoughts and sensations help deeper reveal and understand the poetic world of the work.

4. The worldview of the lyric hero influences the development of the conflict. In the lyrical work, the conflict is usually an intrapersonal one, which must also be defined and characterized.

5. Finally, if there is a story line in the work, it is necessary to show its development, pointing to the string, culmination and denouement.

Now let's talk about how to do the analysis of the verse in order to reveal the features of the poetic language of its author. This is a very difficult task.

1. It is necessary to point out the artistic techniques used by the author, and their role in revealing the inner world of the lyric hero.

2. Analyze the main expressive means of language in the poem: poetic trails (metaphors, comparisons, etc.); Stylistic figures (oxymorons, rhetorical questions, addresses, exclamations, etc.). Identify features of poetic vocabulary and construct proposals.

3. An important role in the analysis of the poem is determining the size of the verse. He creates the rhythm of the work, its "melody" and "sound".

4. A special function in the poetic work is rhyme. The definition of the variety of rhyme by location in the strophe is also included in the analysis of the poetic work.

The main aspects that need to be considered when answering the question of how to analyze a work are listed . A thoughtful deep reading of the lyrical poem will help to open all facets of poetic creativity, the amazing beauty of poetry and the individual style of the poet.