As you read the poems independently you should make notes on the poems as you go. Here are five basic questions you should ask yourself about the poems as you read them.
Comment on the look of the poem. What do you notice? Are the lines a similar length? How many lines per stanza? Do the ends of the lines rhyme? Are there any observations you can make about the poem based on your observation of it?
Most poems will have a plot or story line. What is the basic plot or narrative of the poem? And can you identify where the plot changes or develops? Is there a structure to the poem that is linked to the story of the poem? Can you give a title to each of the different sections of the poem?
Comment on the narrative or poetic voice of the poem. Is the voice of the poem the poets' voice? Or is the voice the voice of a character? Is the voice male or female? Young or old? Objective or subjective? Are you sympathetic to the voice or irritated or angry?
Poems will engage with ideas and topics. The poems have been especially chosen because there ideas or topics are linked or are similar to ideas and topics in 'Death of a Salesman' and 'The Go-Between'. What are the topics or ideas that link to the two other texts studied? What is the specific meaning of this poem. And how is this meaning similar or different to the other texts on this course?
Finally you should identify the wide range of different poetic, literary and language techniques the poet has used to communicate their ideas. What are the techniques? And what is the effect of these techniques on you or a generalised reader?
