There is a great variety of poems in the world, in the most diverse languages, however many of them are rather difficult to understand. Have you ever wondered if knowing how to understand a poem can actually change your life? Or maybe simply bring you back to the memory of particular and profound moments? Give it a go.
Steps
Step 1. Try to understand the art of poetry
The poetic genre is different from other literary genres, from the novel for example, for several reasons. It concerns the heart and feelings above all, it must be recognized; he also uses the language in a way that is out of the ordinary, sometimes even with rather unusual words.
Step 2. Read a poem aloud, more than once
Listen to the sound, as if it were music.
Step 3. Do some research on the author
When and under what circumstances did you compose the poem? It may help to understand and appreciate more the origin of the composition.
Step 4. Understand if the poet has tried to write a sad, happy, emotional, absurd, distressing poem, etc
If it's a sad poem, let it touch the depths of your heart. Try to feel the emotion that has been put in the form of words.
Step 5. When you read a poem, expect to find a lot more than you can grasp on the first reading
Rereading the poem numerous times often helps to grasp more elements than the first reading.
Step 6. Take time to reflect on the poem after reading it
Sometimes certain poems require more reflection than others. 'Translate' the poem. Although it may not have been written in a foreign language, try to change the order of the words in a verse, it will help you a lot in understanding the text.
Step 7. Let it be fun to read, rather than a boring chore
The poem was written to hit your emotions, let it take effect, and most importantly, remember to enjoy it to the fullest, to make the most of it.
Step 8. Try reading the poem from the poet's point of view
If the poem is about a broken heart, the poet will have tried to communicate his feelings about how his heart was broken. This type of poem can be very striking to those who have had difficult romantic relationships.
Step 9. Try to highlight the key lines of the poem, those that express the message the poet is trying to convey by putting you in his shoes
Advice
- Read a large variety of poems from different eras to better appreciate the different styles of writing. You can then choose a period or an author you prefer.
- Try writing a poem yourself that mimics the style or topic of another. Play with the language and analyze what you can create. It will help you understand how the poetic genre makes the most of the language to obtain the desired effects.
- Remember that poetry is sincere writing when you read it. Read this poem by Emily Dickinson for example: "If I can keep / a heart from breaking / I will not have lived in vain. / If I will ease the pain of a lifetime / or heal a pain / or help a fallen robin / re-enter the nest / I will not have lived in vain. " and try to understand how Dickinson's heart was written into these words.
