Final answer:
The author uses figurative language such as metaphors, similes, and imagery to create depth in the poem. The structure and tone of the poem, along with the author's careful word choice and use of sound, contribute significantly to its overall effect.
Step-by-step explanation:
To identify the types of figurative language used by the author in a poem, one should look for metaphors, similes, and descriptive imagery that elevate the text beyond the literal. These devices work as an artistic tool to create an immersive atmosphere and deeper meaning within the poem. For example, metaphors and similes can convey complex emotions or thoughts in a concise and powerful way, by equating one thing to another, either directly or using words like 'as' or 'like'. Imagery utilizes descriptive language to create vivid pictures in the reader's mind, engaging the senses and evoking emotional responses.
The structure of a poem, including the arrangement of lines and stanzas, and the choice of the last words in lines, also contribute to its overall impact. They affect how the poem is read and can add to its rhythm and flow or create emphasis on certain ideas.
Understanding the poem's tone is crucial for interpreting its meaning. Whether the poem is telling a story, sharing thoughts, or playing with language, the tone set by the author (serious, funny, meditative, etc.) will guide how the reader perceives the narrative or message.
Finally, analyzing the diction or word choice is critical. Words carry connotations beyond their denotative meanings, which can significantly affect the poem's meaning or tone. An analysis of stylistic choices, word patterns, and sound elements like meter and rhythm will deepen the understanding of the poem's functioning and aesthetic.