thesis statement for poets

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Writing About Poetry

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Writing about poetry can be one of the most demanding tasks that many students face in a literature class. Poetry, by its very nature, makes demands on a writer who attempts to analyze it that other forms of literature do not. So how can you write a clear, confident, well-supported essay about poetry? This handout offers answers to some common questions about writing about poetry.

What's the Point?

In order to write effectively about poetry, one needs a clear idea of what the point of writing about poetry is. When you are assigned an analytical essay about a poem in an English class, the goal of the assignment is usually to argue a specific thesis about the poem, using your analysis of specific elements in the poem and how those elements relate to each other to support your thesis.

So why would your teacher give you such an assignment? What are the benefits of learning to write analytic essays about poetry? Several important reasons suggest themselves:

To help you learn to make a text-based argument. That is, to help you to defend ideas based on a text that is available to you and other readers. This sharpens your reasoning skills by forcing you to formulate an interpretation of something someone else has written and to support that interpretation by providing logically valid reasons why someone else who has read the poem should agree with your argument. This isn't a skill that is just important in academics, by the way. Lawyers, politicians, and journalists often find that they need to make use of similar skills.
To help you to understand what you are reading more fully. Nothing causes a person to make an extra effort to understand difficult material like the task of writing about it. Also, writing has a way of helping you to see things that you may have otherwise missed simply by causing you to think about how to frame your own analysis.
To help you enjoy poetry more! This may sound unlikely, but one of the real pleasures of poetry is the opportunity to wrestle with the text and co-create meaning with the author. When you put together a well-constructed analysis of the poem, you are not only showing that you understand what is there, you are also contributing to an ongoing conversation about the poem. If your reading is convincing enough, everyone who has read your essay will get a little more out of the poem because of your analysis.

What Should I Know about Writing about Poetry?

Most importantly, you should realize that a paper that you write about a poem or poems is an argument. Make sure that you have something specific that you want to say about the poem that you are discussing. This specific argument that you want to make about the poem will be your thesis. You will support this thesis by drawing examples and evidence from the poem itself. In order to make a credible argument about the poem, you will want to analyze how the poem works—what genre the poem fits into, what its themes are, and what poetic techniques and figures of speech are used.

What Can I Write About?

Theme: One place to start when writing about poetry is to look at any significant themes that emerge in the poetry. Does the poetry deal with themes related to love, death, war, or peace? What other themes show up in the poem? Are there particular historical events that are mentioned in the poem? What are the most important concepts that are addressed in the poem?

Genre: What kind of poem are you looking at? Is it an epic (a long poem on a heroic subject)? Is it a sonnet (a brief poem, usually consisting of fourteen lines)? Is it an ode? A satire? An elegy? A lyric? Does it fit into a specific literary movement such as Modernism, Romanticism, Neoclassicism, or Renaissance poetry? This is another place where you may need to do some research in an introductory poetry text or encyclopedia to find out what distinguishes specific genres and movements.

Versification: Look closely at the poem's rhyme and meter. Is there an identifiable rhyme scheme? Is there a set number of syllables in each line? The most common meter for poetry in English is iambic pentameter, which has five feet of two syllables each (thus the name "pentameter") in each of which the strongly stressed syllable follows the unstressed syllable. You can learn more about rhyme and meter by consulting our handout on sound and meter in poetry or the introduction to a standard textbook for poetry such as the Norton Anthology of Poetry . Also relevant to this category of concerns are techniques such as caesura (a pause in the middle of a line) and enjambment (continuing a grammatical sentence or clause from one line to the next). Is there anything that you can tell about the poem from the choices that the author has made in this area? For more information about important literary terms, see our handout on the subject.

Figures of speech: Are there literary devices being used that affect how you read the poem? Here are some examples of commonly discussed figures of speech:

metaphor: comparison between two unlike things
simile: comparison between two unlike things using "like" or "as"
metonymy: one thing stands for something else that is closely related to it (For example, using the phrase "the crown" to refer to the king would be an example of metonymy.)
synecdoche: a part stands in for a whole (For example, in the phrase "all hands on deck," "hands" stands in for the people in the ship's crew.)
personification: a non-human thing is endowed with human characteristics
litotes: a double negative is used for poetic effect (example: not unlike, not displeased)
irony: a difference between the surface meaning of the words and the implications that may be drawn from them

Cultural Context: How does the poem you are looking at relate to the historical context in which it was written? For example, what's the cultural significance of Walt Whitman's famous elegy for Lincoln "When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloomed" in light of post-Civil War cultural trends in the U.S.A? How does John Donne's devotional poetry relate to the contentious religious climate in seventeenth-century England? These questions may take you out of the literature section of your library altogether and involve finding out about philosophy, history, religion, economics, music, or the visual arts.

What Style Should I Use?

It is useful to follow some standard conventions when writing about poetry. First, when you analyze a poem, it is best to use present tense rather than past tense for your verbs. Second, you will want to make use of numerous quotations from the poem and explain their meaning and their significance to your argument. After all, if you do not quote the poem itself when you are making an argument about it, you damage your credibility. If your teacher asks for outside criticism of the poem as well, you should also cite points made by other critics that are relevant to your argument. A third point to remember is that there are various citation formats for citing both the material you get from the poems themselves and the information you get from other critical sources. The most common citation format for writing about poetry is the Modern Language Association (MLA) format .

Literary Criticism

Introduction
Literary Theories
Steps to Literary Criticism
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thesis examples

SAMPLE THESIS STATEMENTS

These sample thesis statements are provided as guides, not as required forms or prescriptions.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The thesis may focus on an analysis of one of the elements of fiction, drama, poetry or nonfiction as expressed in the work: character, plot, structure, idea, theme, symbol, style, imagery, tone, etc.

In “A Worn Path,” Eudora Welty creates a fictional character in Phoenix Jackson whose determination, faith, and cunning illustrate the indomitable human spirit.

Note that the work, author, and character to be analyzed are identified in this thesis statement. The thesis relies on a strong verb (creates). It also identifies the element of fiction that the writer will explore (character) and the characteristics the writer will analyze and discuss (determination, faith, cunning).

Further Examples:

The character of the Nurse in Romeo and Juliet serves as a foil to young Juliet, delights us with her warmth and earthy wit, and helps realize the tragic catastrophe.

The works of ecstatic love poets Rumi, Hafiz, and Kabir use symbols such as a lover’s longing and the Tavern of Ruin to illustrate the human soul’s desire to connect with God.

The thesis may focus on illustrating how a work reflects the particular genre’s forms, the characteristics of a philosophy of literature, or the ideas of a particular school of thought.

“The Third and Final Continent” exhibits characteristics recurrent in writings by immigrants: tradition, adaptation, and identity.

Note how the thesis statement classifies the form of the work (writings by immigrants) and identifies the characteristics of that form of writing (tradition, adaptation, and identity) that the essay will discuss.

Further examples:

Samuel Beckett’s Endgame reflects characteristics of Theatre of the Absurd in its minimalist stage setting, its seemingly meaningless dialogue, and its apocalyptic or nihilist vision.

A close look at many details in “The Story of an Hour” reveals how language, institutions, and expected demeanor suppress the natural desires and aspirations of women.

The thesis may draw parallels between some element in the work and real-life situations or subject matter: historical events, the author’s life, medical diagnoses, etc.

In Willa Cather’s short story, “Paul’s Case,” Paul exhibits suicidal behavior that a caring adult might have recognized and remedied had that adult had the scientific knowledge we have today.

This thesis suggests that the essay will identify characteristics of suicide that Paul exhibits in the story. The writer will have to research medical and psychology texts to determine the typical characteristics of suicidal behavior and to illustrate how Paul’s behavior mirrors those characteristics.

Through the experience of one man, the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave, accurately depicts the historical record of slave life in its descriptions of the often brutal and quixotic relationship between master and slave and of the fragmentation of slave families.

In “I Stand Here Ironing,” one can draw parallels between the narrator’s situation and the author’s life experiences as a mother, writer, and feminist.

SAMPLE PATTERNS FOR THESES ON LITERARY WORKS

1. In (title of work), (author) (illustrates, shows) (aspect) (adjective).

Example: In “Barn Burning,” William Faulkner shows the characters Sardie and Abner Snopes struggling for their identity.

2. In (title of work), (author) uses (one aspect) to (define, strengthen, illustrate) the (element of work).

Example: In “Youth,” Joseph Conrad uses foreshadowing to strengthen the plot.

3. In (title of work), (author) uses (an important part of work) as a unifying device for (one element), (another element), and (another element). The number of elements can vary from one to four.

Example: In “Youth,” Joseph Conrad uses the sea as a unifying device for setting, structure and theme.

4. (Author) develops the character of (character’s name) in (literary work) through what he/she does, what he/she says, what other people say to or about him/her.

Example: Langston Hughes develops the character of Semple in “Ways and Means”…

5. In (title of work), (author) uses (literary device) to (accomplish, develop, illustrate, strengthen) (element of work).

Example: In “The Masque of the Red Death,” Poe uses the symbolism of the stranger, the clock, and the seventh room to develop the theme of death.

6. (Author) (shows, develops, illustrates) the theme of __________ in the (play, poem, story).

Example: Flannery O’Connor illustrates the theme of the effect of the selfishness of the grandmother upon the family in “A Good Man is Hard to Find.”

7. (Author) develops his character(s) in (title of work) through his/her use of language.

Example: John Updike develops his characters in “A & P” through his use of figurative language.

Perimeter College, Georgia State University, http://depts.gpc.edu/~gpcltc/handouts/communications/literarythesis.pdf

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Poetry & Poets

Explore the beauty of poetry – discover the poet within

How To Write A Good Poetry Analysis

Understand the Poem’s Content

Before tackling the task of writing a poetry analysis, consider first the content of the poem. What is the poem about? What does it mean? Read the poem through multiple times, and jot down notes about the poem’s content and the poet’s purpose. Try to identify any literary devices or figurative language the poet has employed, and note any themes, moods, and images in the poem that stand out.

Researching the poet’s life can also be beneficial in understanding their poem; biographical information can often shed light on the poet’s intentions or provide a grounding context. Scan through interviews, diaries, and letters to pick up on any further information regarding the poem.

Map the Poem

Once an understanding of the poem’s content has been reached, draw a visual map of the poem’s structure. Use your notes to map out the order of the poem’s images, emotions, motifs, and themes. Visually representing the poem on paper can be extremely beneficial in piecing together your analysis and structuring your essay.

For further assistance, use a paragraph-by-paragraph analysis, breaking down the poem’s structure. Ask yourself questions about the poem’s speaker: Who is speaking? To whom? About what? Where are they? Consider the figurative language and imagery used, the sound and rhythm of the poem, and the various themes explored.

Develop a Thesis

The thesis of a poetry analysis is the main argument or interpretation that the essay will attempt to explain or prove. This argument should be clearly stated in the introduction section and should be supported throughout the essay with evidence from the poem. A thesis can focus on the author’s tone, imagery, diction, connotations, or any other feature of the poem that captures the reader’s interest.

Create an Outline

With a strong understanding of the poem and the thesis in mind, begin to craft an outline for the essay. An outline allows for a clear structure and will make organizing all the information and evidence much easier. The outline should include the introduction, body, and conclusion, with each section further divided into subheadings.

A poetry analysis should include a clear introduction, a thesis statement, and a poetry analysis body that includes evidence and explanations for each of the major points. The conclusion of a poetry analysis should effectively summarize the findings and implications of the essay.

Write the Essay

Use the outline as a roadmap for writing the essay. Begin the introduction with a hook statement, followed by background information on the poem and the poet. Make sure to also state the thesis of your essay. Explain the order of your essay’s body paragraphs in the introduction, and remember to fill the body with evidence and analysis. Conclude the essay with a brief summary of your findings and the implications of your analysis.

Include Secondary Sources

Including outside sources can increase the quality of an essay. Use secondary material to enhance your argument by drawing evidence from other experts in the field. However, be sure to use reliable sources from well-known publications, and cite all evidence properly.

Revise and Check for Accuracy

Revising the essay is an essential step in the process. Review the essay for accuracy and consistency in its arguments and evidence. Read the essay out loud, and consult any grammar tools to ensure grammatical accuracy. Lastly, proofread the essay for spelling and punctuation mistakes.

Show the Poem’s Artistic Merit

For a poetry analysis essay to be successful, the poet’s artistic merit should be evident throughout the essay. Dig deeper into the subtleties and stylistic features of the poem and consider their impact on the poem as a whole. Assess the poem in terms of its theme, structure, imagery, diction and alliteration. Also consider any possible historical, cultural or biographical context that could shed light on the poem’s context,

Draw Conclusions

Drawing conclusions and assessing the poem’s successes or shortcomings is integral to a poetry analysis essay. The conclusion should clearly and strongly communicate the essay’s conclusion, without simply summarizing the essay’s body paragraphs. Use the evidence in the essay to make a valid judgment about the poem’s effectiveness and suggest any possible improvements.

Engage with Multiple Perspectives

To make the essay more impactful, consider multiple perspectives of the poem. Engage with ideas and arguments other than your own and showcase different interpretations in order to add depth to your own argument. By taking a step back and engaging with varied interpretations, you will also be able to better explore why the poem’s content is significant and how it is personally relevant.

Analyze the Text’s Meaning in Relation to Context

Make sure to explore how the poem’s context and meaning relate to the greater world. Analyze how political, historical, or religious contexts influence the poet’s work and how the poem might be interpreted in different settings. Also consider how the poem reflects the poet’s personal experiences and how it might relate to the experiences of various readers.

Integrate Quotes into the Text

Including quotes is one way to back up your argument and add weight to the essay. Make sure to properly quote the lines and cite the poem according to standards. Be selective when integrating quotes and make sure they accurately reflect the essay’s argument. Too many quotes can make an essay appear choppy and disjointed.

Provide Real-World Examples

When writing a poetry analysis essay, try to address real world applications of the poem. Make an effort to connect the poem to current events, societal challenges, and real world issues. Consider how the poem fits into the literary context and how it reflects the author’s unique voice. Relating the poem to everyday issues can help the reader connect to the poem in a personal and meaningful way.

Minnie Walters

Minnie Walters is a passionate writer and lover of poetry. She has a deep knowledge and appreciation for the work of famous poets such as William Wordsworth, Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, and many more. She hopes you will also fall in love with poetry!