Final answer:
To determine the theme of a poem, it is helpful to understand the meaning of words and their connotations.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the theme of a poem, it is helpful to understand the meaning of words and their connotations. Theme refers to the underlying message or central idea that the poet is trying to convey. By analyzing the use of words and their deeper meanings, you can interpret the figurative language and symbolism employed by the poet to understand the theme.