write a paper analyzing a poem written by a non-American, non-British author of your choice between the years 500-1650 C.E. Your paper must include a works cited page and use proper parenthetical citation. Questions to consider in your analysis include:
1. Who is the speaker? Is it possible to determine the speaker age, sex, sensibilities, level of awareness and values?
2. Is the speaker addressing anyone in particular?
3. How do you respond to the speaker? Favorably? Negatively? What is the situation? Are there any special circumstances that inform what the speaker says?
4. Is there a specific setting of time and place?
5. Does reading the poem aloud help you to understand it?
6. Does a paraphrase reveal the basic purpose of the poem?
7. What does the title emphasize?
8. Is the theme presented directly or indirectly?
9. Do any allusions enrich the poem meaning?
10.How does the diction reveal meaning? Are any words repeated? Do any carry evocative connotative meanings? Are there any puns or other forms of verbal wit?
11.Are figures of speech used? How does the figurative language contribute to the poem vividness and meaning?
12.Do any objects, persons, places, events, or actions have allegorical or symbolic meanings? What other details in the poem support your interpretation?
13.Is irony used? Are there any examples of situational irony, verbal irony, or dramatic irony? Is understatement or paradox used?
14.What is the tone of the poem? Is understatement or paradox used?
15.Does the poem use onomatopoeia, assonance, consonance, or alliteration? How do these sounds affect you?
16.What sounds are repeated? If there are rhymes, what is their effect? Do they seem forced or natural? Is there a rhyme scheme? Do the rhymes contribute to the poem s meaning?
17.Do the lines have a regular meter? What is the predominant meter? Are there significant variations? Does the rhythm seem appropriate for the poem tone?
18.Does the poem form its overall structure follow an established pattern? Do you think the form is a suitable vehicle for the poem meaning and effects?
19.Is the language of the poem intense and concentrated? Do you think it warrants more than one or two close readings?
20.Did you enjoy the poem? What, specifically, pleased or displeased you about what was expressed and how it was expressed?
21.How might biographical information about the author help to determine the poem central concerns?
22.How might historical information about the poem provide a useful context for interpretation?
23.To what extent do your own experiences, values, beliefs, and assumptions inform you interpretation?
24.What kinds of evidence from the poem are you focusing on to support your interpretation? Does your interpretation leave out any important elements that might undercut or qualify your interpretation?
