English 11

Slam Poetry Unit: Poem Analysis

Objective: To demonstrate a written knowledge of poetry terms and be able to apply them to a particular poem in order to better understand its meaning.

Assignment: In this assignment you will write a 2 page analysis of a particular poem by a published author. In your analysis you must do the following:

  • Identify all poetry elements and describe the effect of their use (i.e. similes, metaphors, personification)
  • Explain the different possible interpretations for the poem, giving evidence (quotes) to back up your ideas
  • Explain the different ways in which the poem could be read aloud to create meanings (focus on tone, emphasis, crescendo, decrescendo, etc.)
  • Identify what you think are the most powerful parts of the poem and explain how the author uses spacing and language to create these parts

Form: Two pages, typed, Times New Roman 12 pt, double-spaced.

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