Tools for Creating / Discovering the Theme or Central Message in Poetry

Remember, the theme or central message is not necessarily directly stated. It is suggested
through the poems elements. When analyzing poetry, look for patterns of meaning. Notice
what the images, figurative language, and main idea of each stanza have in common. Consider
whether sound devices emphasize key words, and analyze how the form of the poem helps
support the meaning. Read through a poets eyes! Use your heart, mind, and imagination.

Poetic Structure Word Choice and Tone

*Lines of the poem are often grouped into
stanzas.
*Each stanza conveys a central idea.
*In free verse or concrete poetry, the actual
shape of the poem may convey meaning.
Rhythm
*Stressed and unstressed syllables create a
pattern of beats.
*Rhythm gives a poem a musical quality.
Sound Devices
*Repetition is using a word, phrase, line, or
image more than once.
*Alliteration is the repetition of consonant
sounds at the beginning of words.
*Onomatopoeia is the use of words that
imitate sounds.
*Words with positive connotations, or
associations, express a positive attitude, or
positive tone.
*Words with negative connotations express a
negative tone.
*Word should be chosen carefully!
Figurative Language
*Simile A comparison that used the word
like or as.
*Metaphor A direct comparison that does
not use like or as.
*Personification Giving human traits to
things that are not human.
*Hyperbole an exaggeration (I walked a
million miles.)
*Idiom Words that do not take on their
literal meaning (Its raining cats and dogs.)
Sensory Language
*Creates images that appeal to one or more
of the five senses. (sight, smell, taste,
hearing, touch)
*These images help the reader imagine the
experiences described in the poetry.

Adapted from Prentice Hall Literature Text