Podcast: How to Read Poetry

Introduction

• Poetry is a significant part of English class and offers important lessons.
• Common misconceptions: poetry is often undervalued or seen as overly sentimental.
• Connection between music appreciation and potential appreciation for poetry.

Purpose of Poetry

• Everyone has a story, and poetry is one medium to convey messages.
• Like essays, stories, novels, songs, and plays, poetry communicates the author's view of the world.
• The goal is to interpret the author's message and form an opinion on it.

Reading Poetry as a Skill

• Poetry reading is a skill that requires practice.
• Initial difficulty arises from lack of practice, similar to learning a sport or musical instrument.
• Improvement comes with repetition and tackling progressively challenging poems.

Three-Read System for Reading Poetry

• First Read:
  • Aim: Gain an overview and general impression.
  • Questions: Is it happy, sad, or confusing? What is the topic?
• Second Read:
  • Aim: Observe literary elements and techniques.
  • Focus: Rhyme scheme, rhythm, similes, metaphors, allusions, puns, assonance, consonance.
• Third Read:
  • Aim: Interpret the poem's deeper meaning.
  • Task: Combine observations to form an interpretation.
  • Note: Multiple interpretations can be valid.

Interpretation of Poetry

• Focus on pattern recognition and thematic connections.
• Poems often have deeper meanings beyond their literal content (e.g., "Two Roads Diverged in a Yellow Wood").
• Interpretation involves moving from literal to interpretive understanding.

Annotation and Review

• Annotate poems to track understanding and focus on difficult sections.
• Re-read poems for more insights and improved interpretation.

Conclusion

• Poetry reading involves multiple reads for comprehensive understanding.
• Recognize and label devices, then interpret the collective meaning.
• Approach poetry assignments with openness and readiness to practice.
• Encourage bringing questions to class for further discussion.