Read the poem. Note when and where personification is used. Pay close attention to all the literary elements, such as language, that are used in context with the personification.
Analyze what is being personified. For instance, the poem might personify natural elements, such as wind or rain; or it might personify an abstract idea, such as wisdom or death. Ask why these objects or ideas were chosen for this poem. Look for any consistency throughout the poem regarding these objects or ideas, such as tone, mood or imagery.
Analyze how the object or idea in the poem is personified. Focus on what human qualities are being used to personify it. For instance, death may be personified as a smiling baby. What effect would such a contrast have on the poem and the poet’s meaning?
Look at the context in which the personification appears. For instance, death personified as a smiling baby might be used within the context of the poet’s feelings of an impending birth or the poet’s feelings about her aging parents. This might offer some clue as to the poem’s theme.
Analyze how the personification enhances the poem’s theme. For instance, if the poem is about the poet coping with a dying parent, then the personification of death as a smiling baby might suggest that the theme is about the cyclical nature of life and death.