How to Tackle Unseen Poetry
Start with the basics - read the title first as it often gives you massive clues about what's coming. Then work through each stanza and jot down a quick summary of what's happening.
You need to spot three key elements straight away: form and rhyme, language and structure, and theme. Don't panic if you can't identify everything immediately - even noticing whether stanzas are regular or irregular puts you ahead.
Form spotting is easier than you think. Look at stanza length first - are they all the same size or completely different? Regular stanzas often create rhythm and control, whilst irregular ones might suggest chaos or emotion breaking free.
Quick tip: Check the last line of the poem first - poets often save their main message for the end, which helps you understand the overall theme much faster.
Common themes pop up again and again: abandonment, isolation, revenge, fear, friendship, loneliness, and devotion. Once you've spotted the theme, you're halfway there.