• The process of close reading is twofold:• First, read the text• Second, interpret your reading.

Close Reading Poetry

• A close reading does not mean a close description - the reading element indicates activity on the part of the reader.

• Basically, I assume that you have read it and can describe it. I am not interested in that.

Close Reading Poetry

• This activity should be thought of in terms of the analysis, synthesis, and interpretation of the poem’s formal features.

• ‘Formal’ features (the ‘form’ of a poem) includes the poem’s shape on the page, language used, rhythm (stressed words/syllables), metre (rate at which it is read), sound, tone, voice.

Close Reading Poetry

• Read/listen to the poem once.• Read/listen a second time. This time, with a highlighter or

pen, annotate. (Focus on specifics).• Look up the meanings of any words you are not sure of.• Using your notes, construct an argument/interpretation of

the poem.– Don’t just describe. Ask “Why?” – “Why did the author choose this particular word or phrase?”– OR– “What do I think it means?”

What are YOU Doing?

• Metre, rhythm, rhyme? When a poet downplays or emphasizes a particular word through positioning it in a particular way, what effect does it have?

• What is the structure of the poem? Are there abrupt changes or a progression from one idea to another?

• Are there any words you don’t understand? Look them up.• Grammatical features: tenses, conditional constructions, the passive voice. PoV?

Perhaps there are tense or person shifts; what effect do these produce?• Are some words repeated or synonymous?• What is the language? Formal? Informal? Conversational? Prose? Sarcastic? Solemn?• Are there any rhetorical features? Metaphor, simile, hyperbole, personification?• Look at punctuation.• Allusions and references.• What is the tone of the poem? Is it homiletic, comic, anxious, joyful, melancholy or

ironic? How?

Things to look for

• What you come up with should look something like this…

• “The meaning/purpose/lesson of (the poem’s name) is __________. This can be seen because it uses _____________ to _________. It also uses ___ to _______. Its overall tone is _______

The End Result

“Do Not Go Gentle into that Good night”By Dylan Thomas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H68l9Q3Ejo0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mRec3VbH3w

First Poem