Follow this structure for your poem analysis. You may want to read the example at the bottom of the page to help you understand what is expected for this assignment.
Analyse for: Tone/Mood
1. Opening statement:
• In the poem, “_______________________” by __________________, the reader is led to feel______________________________...
OR
• The poem, “_____________________” by _____________________ evokes a sense of ________________________in the reader…
OR
• Write your own opening statement which includes poem title, author and main tone or mood.
2. Prove your opening statement using details:
Imagery: What is the picture that is created in your imagination?
What is the emotion or feeling that you attach to this image?
The poet creates an image of____________________ in the readers, which causes the reader to experience a sense of…
In addition,
As well,
Also,
Word Choice: What are the key words or phrases in the poem?
What is the emotion or feeling that you attach to these words or phrases?
In addition, the use of the words, “_________”, “_____________” and “________________” all continue to create a feeling of ____________________.
3. Closing statement: make a statement about the overall tone and mood in the poem.
The overall tone of the poem is ________________________. Through his/her use of _____________ images and ______________ , the author successfully creates a _________________ mood in the reader.
Here is an example analysis from a different poem. Note the use of direct references to the poem as well as the statements regarding the effect on the reader.
In the poem, “For Sue,” by Phil Hey, the author creates a sense of peacefulness and relaxation in the reader. Through use of imagery and specific word choices, the image of a perfect, gentle summer’s evening is built in the imagination of the reader.
The poet creates an image of a lazy summer evening. A woman is sitting on a dock, dangling her feet in the water, while the sun is setting. The sound of the water gently lapping against the shore and the birds circling far above all form an image of tranquility.
In addition, by using words such as “lazy”, “long” and “slow and easy,” the poet continues to evoke a sense of slowness and serenity. The author describes the light as “hazing into blue”, which suggests a dream-like, almost sleepy atmosphere.
The overall tone of the poem is sentimental. Through his use of peaceful imagery and word choice, he crafts the image of a perfect, idyllic summer night.
