How to analyse poetry mnemonic
FIELDS!!!
This is the mnemonic you have to remember for the poetry exam!
F- Form: Line length, rhyme scheme, regular/irregular, pace etc.
I- Ideas/Themes: The poet's overall themes and messages. What were they trying to say with
this poem?
E- Evidence: i.e quotes with analysis to prove your point
L- Language: which specific words were used? What effect do they create? Why were
these words chosen? Use Short Language Chunks - pick out one word and analyse it.
D- Details: Links with everything else i.e picking out language and punctuation and
linking it back to the poet's messages and the themes of the poems.
S- Structure: How is the poem structured? -Stanzas, punctuation techniques to change
stanzas i.e enjambment. Structure is also the sequence/order in which ideas are
presented/developed within a poem.
______________________________
Analyse a Poem
If you need to analyse a poem for an exam, or if you need to read a poem you've never seen before, what's the best
way to go about it?
Let's Start to Analyse
There are various ways of going about the analysis of a poem in order to understand it better. I'm going to outline
my own method which would be suitable for students as well as those who read for pleasure.
Examples of questions you may get in an exam:
● How does the poet use language to convey mood and meaning?
● Analyse the poem paying attention to the relationship between subject and form.
● Explore the methods the poet employs to create tension within the poem.
● Explain the effectiveness of the poet’s use of imagery in line ….
● Discuss how the rhythm communicates intention.
Stanza
A stanza is a group of lines (a verse) that sometimes follow a pattern of metre and rhyme in a poem. Some poems
are made up of many stanzas, others may have only one.
Look at the Poem and Title
● By looking at the poem you're creating an impression much like you would if you were looking at a painting
or photograph. Your eyes will tell you certain things: the shape of the words on the page, the size, the overall
'look' of the poem.
● This is an initial welcoming scan. Spend a minute or so, all you need is for your eyes to get used to this
creation in front of you.
● Focus on the title. Why has the poet chosen a title like that? Note down ideas you may have. If the lines
aren't numbered count them and keep the number handy. Do the same with the stanzas.
———————————————
FIELDS!!!
This is the mnemonic you have to remember for the poetry exam!
F- Form: Line length, rhyme scheme, regular/irregular, pace etc.
I- Ideas/Themes: The poet's overall themes and messages. What were they trying to say with
this poem?
E- Evidence: i.e quotes with analysis to prove your point
L- Language: which specific words were used? What effect do they create? Why were
these words chosen? Use Short Language Chunks - pick out one word and analyse it.
D- Details: Links with everything else i.e picking out language and punctuation and
linking it back to the poet's messages and the themes of the poems.
S- Structure: How is the poem structured? -Stanzas, punctuation techniques to change
stanzas i.e enjambment. Structure is also the sequence/order in which ideas are
presented/developed within a poem.
______________________________
Analyse a Poem
If you need to analyse a poem for an exam, or if you need to read a poem you've never seen before, what's the best
way to go about it?
Let's Start to Analyse
There are various ways of going about the analysis of a poem in order to understand it better. I'm going to outline
my own method which would be suitable for students as well as those who read for pleasure.
Examples of questions you may get in an exam:
● How does the poet use language to convey mood and meaning?
● Analyse the poem paying attention to the relationship between subject and form.
● Explore the methods the poet employs to create tension within the poem.
● Explain the effectiveness of the poet’s use of imagery in line ….
● Discuss how the rhythm communicates intention.
Stanza
A stanza is a group of lines (a verse) that sometimes follow a pattern of metre and rhyme in a poem. Some poems
are made up of many stanzas, others may have only one.
Look at the Poem and Title
● By looking at the poem you're creating an impression much like you would if you were looking at a painting
or photograph. Your eyes will tell you certain things: the shape of the words on the page, the size, the overall
'look' of the poem.
● This is an initial welcoming scan. Spend a minute or so, all you need is for your eyes to get used to this
creation in front of you.
● Focus on the title. Why has the poet chosen a title like that? Note down ideas you may have. If the lines
aren't numbered count them and keep the number handy. Do the same with the stanzas.
———————————————
