Finding Meaning in Poetry

Read the poem! Analyze poetic devices!Re-read!

A conflicting statement or situation used to expose a reality different from what appears to be true.

Irony

Purposeful re-use of words for an effect Refrain-an entire phrase repeated

Repetition

repeating a sequence of words at the beginnings of sentences◦ contain a different key word each time◦ emphasizing

Sometimes called parallelism.

Anaphora

Repeated consonant sounds at the beginning or end of words positioned near each other.

Example: fast and furious

Alliteration

An ordinary object, event, animal, or person to which we have attached meaning and significance ◦ flag to represent a country◦ lion to represent courage◦ wall to symbolize separation

Symbols

A direct comparison of two unlike things using “like” or “as.”

Simile

The emotional, psychological or social undertones of a word

its implications and associations apart from its literal meaning.

Connotation

A poet or speaker’s attitudes and feelings about a subject◦ Look at the style of language or poetic

devices to figure out. loving, condescending, bitter, pitying, fanciful,

solemn, and a host of other emotions and attitudes.

Tone

The use of language to help the reader activate senses and experience parts of the poem

Imagery