The analysis of the poem is perhaps one of the most difficult types of literary activity. This is due to the specifics of the poem as a literary work, because sometimes it reflects the very subtle and innermost feelings and experiences of the author, which are quite difficult to undergo cold structural analysis. Nevertheless, in literary criticism and in pedagogical activity there are certain rules that describe in detail how to do an analysis of the poem. Based on these rules, you can draw up a plan diagram, where the points, in a certain order, indicate the main criteria for analysis. So, we will draw up a diagram that clearly answers the question of how to analyze the poem?
1. First, the name of the poem and its author are indicated, and then it is necessary to tell about the time of the appearance of the work, about the history of its creation, where it was written, under what circumstances and to whom it is dedicated. Any literary work, including a lyric one, is necessarily associated with the historical era, the characteristics of this period of development of society. Therefore, the second paragraph of the scheme is quite natural.
2. Reflection in the poem of the era, its historical features.
3. The historical period of time in which the work is written, one way or another, affects its genre identity. Therefore, it must be characterized by showing the main literary trends and directions close to the author, and how the poem was perceived by contemporaries.
The first three points of the diagram show how to analyze the poem from the point of view of the socio-historical development of society, the relationship of the poet and society, and the genre originality of the work.
The following five points of the diagram answer the question: how to analyze the poem from the point of view of its figurative world, as well as the construction and development of the conflict in the work.
1. It is necessary to retell the content of the poem, its plot.
2. The structure of the content will help determine the theme of the poem, as well as the main idea of the author and the problem that he poses in the work.
3. In any poetic work there is a lyrical hero or image, which in no case can be identified with the author himself. The characterization of the lyrical hero, his feelings, thoughts and sensations helps to open more deeply and understand the poetic world of the work.
4. The attitude of the lyrical hero affects the development of the conflict. In a lyric work, conflict is usually intrapersonal, which also needs to be defined and characterized.
5. Finally, if there is a storyline in the work, it is necessary to show its development, indicating the plot, climax and denouement.
Now let's talk about how to do an analysis of a verse in order to reveal the peculiarities of the poetic language of its author. This is a very difficult task.
1. It is necessary to point out the artistic techniques used by the author and their role in revealing the inner world of the lyrical hero.
2. To analyze the main expressive means of language in a poem: poetic paths (metaphors, comparisons, etc.); stylistic figures (oxymoron, rhetorical questions, appeals, exclamations, etc.). Identify the features of poetic vocabulary and the construction of sentences.
3. An important role in the analysis of the poem is played by determining the size of the verse. He creates the rhythm of the work, its “melody” and “sound”.
4. A special function in the poem is performed by rhyme. The definition of a variety of rhyme by arrangement in a stanza is also included in the analysis of a poetic work.
The main aspects that should be taken into account when answering the question of how to analyze the work are listed . A thoughtful deep reading of the lyric poem will help to open up all the facets of poetic creativity, the amazing beauty of poetry and the individual style of the poet.