Getting Started: Your First 20 Minutes
The key to unseen poetry analysis is having a solid plan that keeps you calm and focused. You've got 20 minutes to read, understand, and respond to a completely new poem - but don't panic!
Start by reading the poem twice without making any notes. This lets your brain absorb the overall mood and meaning without getting distracted by individual words. On your second read, begin annotating strategically.
Look for obvious imagery that creates vivid pictures, any discourse markers (words like 'but', 'however', 'then') that show shifts in the poem, and anything that strikes you as particularly odd or significant. Trust your instincts - if something feels important, it probably is.
Quick Tip: Ask yourself what the poem is trying to make you think, feel, or question. This will guide your entire analysis.