Read the poem aloud. Hearing the words spoken allows you to gain a better understanding of the rhythm of the words. It can also help you visualize the imagery employed by the author.
Identify the theme of the poem. Read the poem carefully and more than once. Pay attention to the subject matter, recurring imagery, the tone of the poet's words or specific historical details mentioned. Common themes in poetry include love, sorrow, death or heroic deeds, to name only a few.
Explain the genre of the poem. Poets write in many styles or genres, from non-rhyming free verse to verse that follows rigidly defined meters. Epic poetry generally deals with the exploits of a historical or mythical hero, while elegaic poetry often commemorates the death of a beloved person. The genre of a poem can offer clues to its meaning.
Identify the point of view of the poem. Poets may write in first-person, which can indicate their own personal views or the views of a character in the poem. Poets also write in multiple voices, allowing several characters to express their feelings.
Describe the construction of the poem and how the poet chooses to write each line. Take note of how the poem appears on the page, as some poets arrange lines in specific and sometimes unorthodox ways. For example, a poet might write several lines of only a few words to create a staccato effect when reading the words aloud. Other poets might use longer, more complex sentences designed to convey a wealth of imagery and inspire certain emotions in the reader. Describe instances in which the poet uses verbal tricks, such as alliteration, similes and metaphors, to bring the poem to life, especially when read aloud.