Interpretations
A simple method for understanding the imagery, message and language of poetry, used in analyzing and interpreting poems.
'The Uses of Poetry' by William Carlos Williams 
William Carlos Williams's poem "The Uses of Poetry" offers an interesting insight into why so many people enjoy poetry. Analyzing 'Wrong Number' by Wisława Szymborska
Can a poem be interpreted in more than one way? Here's a classical textual analysis of "Wrong Number" by Wisława Syzmborska. The poem also lends itself to a political interpretation. What do you think? Creative Methods and Techniques for Poetry
When inspiration seems lacking, try these alternative exercises to rekindle your inner muse. Eliipses in Poetry
The unfortunate trend of adding ellipses to a poem, and why it should be avoided at all costs. Emerson's Transcendentalist Poem
Emerson's eleven-line poem, "Days," has been variously interpreted; this article offers one of those many interpretations. Figures of Speech - Metonymy and Synecdoche
Two of the most troublesome figures of speech to keep straight - metonymy and synecdoche - and how to differentiate successfully between the two. Oscar Wilde's - Easter Day
Wilde's poem "Easter Day" uses contrast and tone to compare current Easter celebrations to its humble origins. Plath's ‘Morning Song’ - A Handful of Notes
A mother's love for her new born can become a less than beautiful thing in the mind of troubled woman. Poetry and the Spiritual Realm
Poety can help the devotee stay motivated in his pursuit of a spiritual life. The great guru Paramahansa Yogananda offered many uplifting and encouraging poems for this very purpose. Political Analysis of 'Wrong Number' by Wisława Szymborska
Can poetry and politics mix? A quick look at informing a poem analysis through looking at the world in which the poet lived. Practice Analyzing Sound in Poetry
Put the principles of analyzing sound in poetry to work with this example analysis. Praise Song for the Day- A review
An interpretation and critique of Professor Elizabeth Alexander's Inaugural Poem, "Praise Song for the Day" Principles of Analyzing Sound in Poetry
Poets choose words carefully for their sounds. Learn how to identify and interpret the role of sound in poetry. Ralph Waldo Emerson - Philosopher-Poet
Ralph Waldo Emerson is most noted for his essays and his philosophical movement called Transcendentalism, but he also wrote poetry, sometimes first-rate poetry. The Function of Line in Poetry
How do poets decide when to “turn” a line, to begin a new line instead of continuing on the same one? Sometimes, the line breaks in a poem are dictated by a strict meter or rhyme scheme–but more often today, it is the poet who uses his or her license to choose to break a line of poetry. Vichel Lindsay- Beyond the Moon
An interpretive look at Vichel Lindsay's "Beyond the Moon"- a heartbreaking poem of unattainable love. What is Poetry?
What constitutes a bad poem from a good one? If the answer is not immediately apparent, read on for the number one way of how to determine it! Who is the Speaker of a Poem?
Just because a poem uses the word “I” doesn’t mean that it’s the poet herself speaking. Learn why it makes a difference. Why is Poetry so hard to understand?
Reading poetry is akin to eating a five course meal. It can be a pleasantly satisfying experience when consumed in small portions.
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