The word "poetry"
comes from the Greek word poesis, meaning "that which is created or
shaped." The keys to understanding poetry are in two separate statements
by Aristotle---"poetry is the representation of an act" and "(it
is) an act which gathers in the meaning." We will look at poetry as an act of language consisting of the
interaction of five elements: image,
diction (word choice), theme, rhythm,
and form. These elements are
the life of the poem. Without them nothing of value can happen either in the
poem or to the reader
Because poems are
"richly ambiguous" texts, critically reading poetry means repeated
readings. Each reading will either reaffirm or challenge your previous
observations and insights by focusing on increasingly sophisticated concerns.
Step 1 and 2: Effect & Elements
A first reading will identify both the poem's effect
on you and its obvious elements, i.e rhythm, theme,
diction. This first reading should be a pre-critical reading to find the
skeleton of the poem---its order, elements, and shape. Initially respond to the
poem's effect on you. Then ask questions to help clarify how the poem's
language "gathers in the meanings" which produce that effect.
Step 3: Unifying Principle
A second reading will help you see less
obvious elements and perhaps understand the poem's Unifying Principle. Looking
consciously for patterns
or relationships is
often helpful at this reading.
Step 4: Purpose
A third reading lets you look for the
purpose of the poem. To get at the purpose, ask "What's it about?"
You thereby identify themes. Ask, "What can I say about life on the basis
of what I have discovered in the poem?". When you
ask what it's about, answer with a noun.
When you consider what it is about, you must answer with a statement.
Step 5: Context
By considering the context
last, you will avoid predetermining the meaning of a poem on the basis of the
author's intention.
When you consider the
context of the poem, you have something solid to start with---the writer. Ask, "What kind of
person would write this kind of poem?" "Is this poem typical of this
author's poetry?" Each new poem will give a fuller and richer picture of
that author. To what you learn about the author in a particular poem, add whatever
aspects of biography or historical situation that you find appropriate.