Poetry Annotation

Finding literary devices within

a work of poetry
Annotating a poem
Texts and poems require many
readings and often annotation to
clarify the many layers of meaning
that the author has created.
Annotation is common in literary
criticism and analysis, particularly for
poetry which is often densely packed
with literary devices and carefully
considered word choice and order.
Annotating a poem
Annotation: Providing critical (as in
criticism) and explanatory notes for a
work of literature. Annotation is often
placed in the margins of text or poetry
that has been annotated with specific
references to lines, words and
phrases. Use of literary devices as
applied to the work is common.
Annotating a poem
As you annotate, consider carefully each
word and turn of phrase and determine its
purpose within the writing.
Some questions to consider are: What is
the author saying through this particular
speaker/persona? What is the natural
progression of the poem? What is its
purpose? What is the tone and style of the
poem?

Annotating a poem
What is the poems structure which
explains its progression along with the
major turning points
Is there any language such as dialect that
denotes regionality, education of speaker,
rhetorical purpose, etc. Is it
conversational, colloquial or does the
speaker fall back on formal language?
Tone: Is the poem celebratory, depressed,
confused? Does it shift or change?

Annotating a poem
Speaker/Persona: What does the
poem reveal about the speaker?
Imagery: What images does the
poem use to create meaning or set
the mood?
Symbolism: What images become
symbolic?

Annotating a poem
Any other characteristics that are
specific to your poem--Every poem is
different.
As you research, you will discover
that particular poets are known for
certain techniques or styles. If this
poem follows that trend or veers from
it, this may be important to your
understanding of the poem.

Sample Annotation