Final Poem Analysis Directions

1. Open your "POL20" Google Doc that we’ve been working on for Poetry Out Loud.
2. Go to the bottom of the Doc and make a new page.
3. Go to Poetry Out Loud and copy your poem from title through the end of the poem.
4. Paste on the new page of the Doc.
5. Add line numbers to the left of each line.
6. Select the THREE MOST IMPORTANT techniques the poet uses to reveal his/her theme/message.
   1. Technique examples: symbolism, rhythm/meter, literary devices (e.g., imagery, extended metaphor, metaphor), structure, grammatical flexibility
   2. An example of how you should format your outline is below of this post.
7. ​Send Lowther a Remind text to let her know you’re ready for her to look at it and give you comments. Once approved, or if you are sure you’re on the right track you may proceed.
8. In a well-formed (3-pt/5-paragraph style) essay, discuss the three most important techniques the poet uses to express his/her theme and/or message.  As always, be sure to use quotes from the text, but you may also refer to the line number when just needing to cite something quickly.

Suggested Outline:
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Technique 1:

1. Identify the technique used / where in the poem it is (line number AND quote)
2. Explanation of the evidence (context in poem, what’s it mean, generally?)
3. Connection to the theme

Technique 2:

1. Identify the technique used / where in the poem it is (line number AND quote)
2. Explanation of the evidence (context in poem, what’s it mean, generally?)
3. Connection to the theme

Technique 3:

1. Identify the technique used / where in the poem it is (line number AND quote)
2. Explanation of the evidence (context in poem, what’s it mean, generally?)
3. Connection to the theme

Theme: ***MAKE SURE YOUR THEME ISN’T JUST A PLOT POINT!!!!!!!***

Note the difference between THEME and MORALS (don’t write about a moral for this essay!):

• Common Themes: Death, Isolation, Regret, the Will to survive, Loss of innocence, Survival, Fear of failure, Renewal/rebirth
• Examples of Morals: Pride comes before a fall; Think twice before you leap; Slow and steady is a sure win; Be content with what you have; A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush; Be prepared; Birds of a feather flock together