Studying a Poem or Anthology

Poetry is probably the most difficult part of the literature course for the average student. In this, the technique of writing is rather different from that of the novel or drama. There are special forms that have to be learned, and the added elements of rhythm and rhyme ; rhythm refers to 'the beat' of the lines and rhyme refers to the various sounds at the end of the lines.

As we have noted before, the reading of literary works should be for enjoyment. This is true also of poetry. Because in public examinations it is usual to find either

(a) one long poem given for study,

(b) a number of shorter poems given for study,

we shall deal with each in turn.

(a) Studying a poem

There are various types of poems. If one only is to be studied, this is usually narrative, dramatic or lyrical.

  1. Summarize it. Give details of the story or theme. Show how it develops.
  2. Consider how the poet has achieved his effects. Consider the words used, the imagery, the dramatic quality conveyed (if any). Consider whether the figures of speech and the words used are appropriate.
  3. Note the mechanical techniques used, metre and rhyme. Are the sentences long (as in Milton) or short, with a staccato effect (as in "The Ancient Mariner")? Is it a ballad, a sonnet or in another form? Has it any metre at all, or does it scan in free verse?
  4. Is there a moral to the story? Why, indeed, is the poet telling it?
  5. Does the poem give pleasure? If so, why does it?
  6. Could the poem be written equally as well in prose? If not, why not?
  7. Are there any illuminating lines? For example, lines such as:-

    Death lays his icy hands on kings,

    A thing of beauty is a joy forever,

    cannot be improved upon.

  8. Finally, take note of the mood of the poem.

(b) Studying an anthology

The student is sometimes aided in an anthology by the fact that the poems are grouped for him under types or even moods. Whether grouped or not, you should read through the anthology quickly. At this stage you might care to divide the poems into three categories:-

(a) Easy - those which you have no difficulty in understanding.

(b) Harder - those which appear to have an element of difficulty.

(c) Hardest - those which you do not understand at all or have difficulty in grasping.

Once the first reading is completed, summarize the poems under category (a) above, making sure that you have noted the essentials and indicating what type of poem each is, e.g.,

NARRATIVE (telling a story) ;

DESCRIPTIVE (describing something) ;

REFLECTIVE (thoughtful or thought provoking) ;

SATIRICAL (making fun of human beings or society) ;

HUMOROUS (having an element of fun)

DRAMATIC (having an element of the theatrical about it and including pathos).

These are just examples of headings and often questions on these types are asked in the examination. If you keep such types together, this will help you to understand the poems more easily.

In the summaries note:

(i) figures of speech,

(ii) beautiful lines,

(iii) the use of devices like alliteration and assonance,

(iv) the sense of rhythm

(v) any other devices or style or anything else that appeals to you.

Difficult words should be looked up in the dictionary and recorded with their meanings in your notes.

Once you have dealt adequately with the 'easy' section of the anthology - but not before - go on to the harder sections, continuing in the same way. It is most important that you should know the poems in the 'easy' section really well, because it is these that you are likely to remember and to be able to quote from in the examination. As you work through the harder poems use the notes at the rear of the book (if any), ask your teachers for an explanation of difficulties, if possible, and read and re-read the poems again and again. Only when you understand the harder poems, should you summarize them.



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Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2001 by Vasudev N. Seeram. All rights reserved.

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