SRN 2017

POETIC ANALYSIS: S.M.I.L.E METHOD

S - STRUCTURE:

How is this poem organised? (how many stanzas/verses)

How is the idea developed in each stanza?

(which words or phrases give the images or theme emphasis or clarity)

How is the poem visually structured on the page? What might this suggest?

(line length/rhyme scheme? Is there any rhythm/repetition/ enjambment?)

Who is the speaker? How do you know? What is the effect of this?

M – MEANING: (the pebble!)

What is the poem about?

Does it have a key message or overarching idea?

Which aspect of love is the poet exploring? What is their perspective?

Does the form contribute to these ideas or themes? (elegy/sonnet/free verse/dramatic monologue)

I – IMAGERY: (ripple)

What figurative techniques does the poet use to convey their ideas? Effects?

What effects do the similes, metaphors, personification, pathetic fallacy create? (what do they make you think? What comparisons do they conjure? How do they make you feel about the ideas being conveyed?)

L – LANGUAGE: (ripple)

Which words has the poet specifically chosen to convey their ideas?

Which word class do they belong to – is this significant? (e.g. active/passive verbs)

Is there a lexical set? How does this relate to the pebble?

Are there any polysemic words?

What are the connotations of specific words and how does this enhance our understanding of the central idea/theme?

E – EFFECT: (DISCUSS WITH S, M, I AND L!)

What is the overall effect of the poem?

What does the poem/techniques/structure make you feel/think about?

How does the poem explore this particular aspect of love?

REMEMBER: ALL COMMENTS NEED TO REFER TO FORM, LANGUAGE, STRUCTURE, CONTEXT

What is the speaker/poet’s perspective?