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Analyzing a poem may seem like a tough task at first. But if you know how to analyze a poem properly, youll start
loving new poems. Here, we will be introducing a step by step guide to analyze a poem. Also, we have presented you an
example to show how to analyze a poem.
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Step 4: Identify the Narrator, Characters and the Setting of the Poem
In analyzing a poem, it is vital to identify the narrator, the characters, and the setting. Remember that the narrator of
the poem is not always the poet. For example, in Alan Brownjohns Parrot, the narrator is a parrot; in Mathew Arnolds
The Forsaken Merman, the narrator is a merman.
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Step 6: Make a Summary
Now try to make a summary of the poem. If you like, you can write down a brief paraphrase of the poem. This
summary will reflect the surface meaning of the poem.
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Step 7: Identify the Theme of the Poem
When you analyze all the above said features in a poem, you can ask yourself the question what is the main
intention of the poem? What does he want to convey through the poem? This is the theme of the poem. You can also
ask how he has conveyed the theme of the poem? What techniques has he used to bring out the theme?
You will be able to understand how to analyze a poem by looking at the following sample analysis.
Example Showing How to Analyze a Poem
London
I wander thro each charterd street,
Near where the charterd Thames does flow.
And mark in every face I meet
Marks of weakness, marks of woe.
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The narrator is walking through the streets of London. Everywhere he turns, he sees the downtrodden faces of the
poor. They look tired, weak, unhappy, and defeated.
Second Stanza
The narrator hears the peoples voice everywhere. The voices are full of fear and repression. The people and their
minds are restrained or manacled.
Third Stanza
The narrator reflects on and emphasizes the chimney sweepers and soldiers. The mournful cry of the chimney-sweeper
acts as a chastisement to the Church. The blood of soldiers stains the outer walls of the nobles palaces.
Fourth Stanza
In the last stanza, the narrator talks about the nighttime. He talks of the prostitution and the consequences of
prostitution on both prostitutes and customers.