Explicating Poetry

Analyzing Poetry • Things to look at • Plot • Character • Setting • Syntax & Diction • Imagery (most important in poetry) • Theme • Closed or open structure • Look at words and ask why whoever wrote this wants it to stand out

Analyzing Poetry • • • Plot • What is the sequence of events in the poem?

Character • Who are the characters?

• Dynamic or static?

• Round or flat? (multi-dimensional vs. single dimension) Setting • Where do the events in the poem take place?

• Sequential, flash back, hidden clues, stated?

Analyzing Poetry • Syntax • Relevant because word order is important just like ingredients in a recipe

Analyzing Poetry • Imagery • Metaphor, simile, personification, paradox, overstatement (hyperbole), understatement, verbal irony (sarcasm), allusion

Analyzing Poetry • Theme • The plot + all other elements = theme • Love & jealousy • Good & evil

“Penelope” by Dorothy Parker • Plot • He works on the sea, far away from the speaker at home • She sits at home working and tending to what calls • He gets all the credit • Character • All characters are static, unchanging • All characters are flat, single dimension

“Penelope” by Dorothy Parker • Setting • Stated, on the sea and at home • Syntax & Diction • “pathway of the sun,” “footsteps of the breeze, “ride the silver seas, “cut the glittering wave” • “sit at home,” “heed a neighbor’s knock,” “brew my tea,” “snip my thread,” “bleach the linen for my bed” • “They will call him brave”

“Penelope” by Dorothy Parker • Imagery (most important in poetry) • What imagery is presented in his actions against the speaker’s? • Theme • Excitement vs. boredom • Freedom vs. loneliness • Appreciation vs. lack of appreciation

“One Perfect Rose” by Dorothy Parker • You do it