Every good poem is worth analyzing to an extent. It helps to look deep inside a poem’s structure and its meaning when it comes to writing a great masterpiece.

First, take any poem and begin to read it slowly. Put pencil to paper or use a PC word program, and begin to layout paragraphs by using a simple outline.

In the opening paragraph, begin with a general thesis statement about the main idea of the poem as a whole. Be sure to include in this statement the name of the poem and the author.

Now proceed to state how the writer had conveyed the main idea by using the following methods:

a) Direct Statement
b) Implication
c) Figurative Language
d) Symbolic Language

Note – A writer may use only one or all these methods.

Next, tell about the major parts of the poem. Each part may or may not include a stanza or stanzas or it may be divided into sections, which only lives in short poems.

Tell what the poet accomplishes (deals with) in each part. In case of longer poems, break this up into shorter paragraphs dealing with each part.

Tell about the surface meaning in the poem, or its literal significance. Now analyze the words which imply more than on the surface.

Quote lines and cite their members at the end of the quotation. Explain in detail what they imply. Pick out and explain key symbolic words (again quote and cite).

In the concluding paragraph, state what the poem means as a whole, especially what it points out in the way of general truths about the subject.

Once you have this information in front of you, read it over again slowly. You will notice its specific structure to begin writing your own classic poem in a unique way.

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