S.M.I.L.E .

1. S.M.I.L.E. Poetry’s not all that bad!!

2. When analysing poetry, it is a good idea to use the following...S.M.I.L.E. Structure Meaning Imagery Language Effect onreader

3. Structure • The way the poem is laid out on the page. • What type of poem is it (sonnet, limerick, haiku, ballad, free verse, etc.) • Are there gaps in the poem? • How long are the stanza’s? • What is the rhyme (rhyming couplets, etc) and rhythm of the poem? • What, if anything, is unusual about the way the poem is written?

4. Meaning • What do you think the poem is about? • What is your initial reaction to reading the poem? • What reason(s) did the poet have to write the poem? What message did they hope to get across?

5. Imagery • The poet will create an image in your head. • What picture is built in your mind? • What descriptive words are used?(adjectives) • Which is the most powerful image in the poem? Why?

6. Imagery • To create images, poets will often use different techniques, such as: • Similes • Metaphors • Personification • Alliteration • When you spot these in a poem, identify the technique used and try to comment on the effect this has on meaning.

7. Language • English, duh! • Focus more on the type of language used. This is often chosen deliberately. • Formal • Informal • Slang • Dialect • Accent • Tone • Mood

8. Effect • Throughout your analysis, you should be commenting on how each element used by the poet affects the way the reader interprets what is being said.E.g. The poet writes in a very aggressive tone, describing how the man ‘hurled’ his words at the woman. This allows the reader to feel the hostility between the two.

9. You can do this!!!