Poetry

Strategy: Close Reading

Close Reading

• The best strategy to use with a poem is close reading.

• Close reading means reading word for word, line for line.

• Read the poem a number of times (usually 3 or 4 times depending on the length and complexity of the poem).

First Reading

• Read for enjoyment.• Get a feeling for the poem’s words.• A poem is like a song. The sound of the words

can be as important as the meaning.• Listen for the rhythm of the poem.

Second Reading

• Read for meaning.• Look for clues that help you understand what

the poem is saying.• Try to visualize the images.

Third Reading

• Study the structure and language of the poem.

• What kind of poem is it?• Does it have a rhyme scheme?• How many stanzas are in it?• What type of language is used? alliterations,

similes, metaphors, personification, idioms, etc.

Fourth Reading

• Read for feeling.• What are the mood and tone of the poem?• How does this poem make you feel?