Poetry Annotation

1
Poetry Annotation

• Finding literary devices within a work of poetry

2
Annotating a poem

• Texts and poems require many readings and often
  annotation to clarify the many layers of meaning
  that the author has created.
• Annotation is common in literary criticism and
  analysis, particularly for poetry which is often
  densely packed with literary devices and
  carefully considered word choice and order.

3
Annotating a poem

• Annotation Providing critical (as in criticism)
  and explanatory notes for a work of literature.
  Annotation is often placed in the margins of text
  or poetry that has been annotated with specific
  references to lines, words and phrases. Use of
  literary devices as applied to the work is common.

4
Annotating a poem

• As you annotate, consider carefully each word and
  turn of phrase and determine its purpose within
  the writing.
•  Some questions to consider are What is the
  author saying through this particular
  speaker/persona?  What is the natural progression
  of the poem?  What is its purpose?  What is the
  tone and style of the poem? 

5
Annotating a poem

• What is the poems structure which explains its
  progression along with the major turning points
• Is there any language such as dialect that
  denotes regionality, education of speaker,
  rhetorical purpose, etc.  Is it conversational,
  colloquial or does the speaker fall back on
  formal language?
• Tone  Is the poem celebratory, depressed,
  confused?  Does it shift or change?

6
Annotating a poem

• Speaker/Persona  What does the poem reveal about
  the speaker?
• Imagery  What images does the poem use to create
  meaning or set the mood?
• Symbolism  What images become symbolic? 

7
Annotating a poem

• Any other characteristics that are specific to
  your poem--Every poem is different.
• As you research, you will discover that
  particular poets are known for certain techniques
  or styles.  If this poem follows that trend or
  veers from it, this may be important to your
  understanding of the poem.

8
Sample Annotation
9
Works Cited

• http//www.westga.edu/pburgey/Poetry/HowToAnnotat
  eAPoem.htm