Overview
This lecture introduces strategies for reading and interpreting poetry, emphasizing a multi-read approach to deepen understanding and appreciation.
Why Poetry Matters
- Poetry is a unique way authors share their messages or stories with readers.
- People often dismiss poetry due to stereotypes like being overly sentimental or confusing.
- Reading poetry is a skill that improves with regular practice, similar to sports or music.
The Three-Read System
- First read: Skim the poem to get a general impression and identify the main topic or emotion.
- Second read: Look for literary elements such as rhyme, rhythm, simile, metaphor, imagery, and sound devices.
- Third read: Synthesize observations to interpret the poem's deeper meaning or theme.
Developing Interpretation Skills
- Poetry often hints at its message rather than stating it directly.
- There is rarely just one correct interpretation; multiple answers can be valid.
- Move from literal understanding to interpretive analysis to uncover what the poet is truly expressing.
Active Reading Strategies
- Annotate poems by making notes, circling literary devices, and marking questions or confusing parts.
- Revisiting and re-reading helps reveal new insights and clarifies interpretation.
- Use background knowledge and patterns from other literature to inform your analysis.
Applying Interpretation to Examples
- Consider symbolic meanings, such as "two roads" representing life choices rather than just physical paths.
- Reflect on what familiar imagery, like a carriage or a monster, might represent beneath the surface.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Literary Elements — features like rhyme, rhythm, simile, metaphor, and imagery used in poetry.
- Interpretation — forming an opinion about the deeper meaning or theme of a poem.
- Annotation — making notes directly on the poem to highlight important features or questions.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice the three-read system with assigned poems.
- Annotate poems for devices and questions during reading.
- Prepare questions for class discussion.