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Include a title (often something clever based off of the poem) and a subtitle (often “An explication of Poe’s ‘The
Raven’”). Please include the works cited at the end.
1. Examine the situation in the poem. After reading the poem carefully, decide what you think the poem is
trying to say. What is its theme? Don’t just say “this poem is about X.” Tell me what the poem is saying ABOUT
X.
a. Does the poem tell a story? Is it a narrative poem? If so, what events occur?
b. Does the poem express an emotion or describe a mood? Is it a lyric?
c. Poetic voice: Who is the speaker? Is the poet speaking to the reader directly or is the poem told through a
fictional persona? To whom is he speaking? Can you trust the speaker?
d. Tone : What is the speaker’s attitude toward the subject of the poem? What sort of tone of voice seems to be
appropriate for reading the poem out loud? What words, images, or ideas give you a clue to the tone?
