Final answer:
To choose a poem, read it aloud, consider its tone, mood, and style, and understand its form and structure. Write a summary with your reaction and consider the speaker, situation, and line lengths. To find poems, browse anthologies or use online resources, taking notes for deeper analysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Choosing a Poem
When selecting a poem, several criteria should be considered, starting with reading the poem out loud to get a sense of its tone, mood, and style. It's important to look up any unfamiliar words and make notes of phrases or lines that intrigue or perplex you. A primary aspect to identify is the speaker of the poem, their situation, and what the poem is concerning. Consider the tone, the diction, and the poem's overall mood and jot down your observations. After understanding the poem on a superficial level, dive deeper into its form and structure, regardless of whether it follows a conventional pattern. Understanding the form includes scrutinizing the line lengths and their impact on the poem's rhythm and meaning.
For further engagement, write a summary of the poem focusing on its central statement and its constituent parts while conveying your genuine reaction to it. Consider the topical guidelines given by your professor, such as analysis of themes, style, or historical context of the poem. Use the act of writing about the poem to appreciate the importance of word placement, line beginnings, and endings, and how these aspects contribute to the overall impact of the poem. Remember, the details in form and structure often parallel the content, adding deeper layers of meaning.
To find a good poem, start by browsing anthologies or using online poetry databases. Look for works that resonate with you on a personal level or align with the requirements of any assignment you have. As you go through this process, be sure to take notes on a separate piece of paper if you're working with a library book, marking important aspects to facilitate further analysis.