Checklist for Analyzing Poetry

Evaluator:

  yes no

Supporting
evidence

Does it have figurative language and imagery?

yes
no

 
Does it create images? (pictures, sounds, smells, tastes, touching sensations)
yes
no
 
Is what the author says or doesn’t say helpful in creating imagery?
yes
no
 
Does it move from the familiar to the unfamiliar or unfamiliar to familiar in a manner that enlightens and/or amazes?
yes
no
 
Is it understandable? (literally, interpretively, and emotionally) Alone or with help?
yes
no
 
Does it appeal to me? To who else would it appeal?
yes
no
 
Does the poem touch people emotionally?
yes
no
 
Are words combined in a mixture that communicates both a literal and suggested meaning. Not so precise as to limit the imagination or so suggestive as to not communicate? (denotation and connotation).
yes
no
 
Does it get to the heart of an idea?
yes
no
 
Is it creative with language? Use language and words in interesting ways? (metaphors, similes, personifications).
yes
no
 
Are words used in a highly powerful manner? Is there a lot of zap with few words?
yes
no
 
Is it a language of simplicity?
yes
no
 
Does it sing to you? [sounds (alliteration, assonance, onomatopoeia), verse, rhythm, patterns, beat (words, phrases), rhyme (end of line, inline, and/or link rhyme)]
yes
no
 
Does it include ideas that people can use?
yes
no
 

 

Dr. Robert Sweetland's Notes ©