Overview
Commenting on someone’s poetry is both a rewarding and challenging activity. Poets often put a great deal of thought into their work, so commenting on their poetry can be a great way to show both respect and admiration. But it can also be a difficult task; considering the words, grammar and overall message of the poem can be quite daunting. This article will explain the basics of how to comment on someone’s poetry, provide some tips and advice, and explore the benefits of doing so.
How to Find Inspiration in the Poem
Finding the inspirational aspects of someone’s poem can be the first step to providing an appropriate and meaningful comment. Start by examining the poem’s title. Often, poets will choose a title that will capture the general idea of their poem. Then, move on to the individual lines of the poem and connect with any images or ideas that the words suggest. Finding common ground with the author’s work can often be helpful in forming the basis of a comment. However, it is important to be honest and try to find something that is genuinely inspirational.
Acknowledge the Poem’s Theme and Message
Once an idea or image has been identified, look for ways to connect it to the overall theme or message of the poem. There is typically a larger idea that ties the words together and leads to the main point of the poem. Recognizing the poet’s work can help a reader get an understanding of why the poem is so important. Expressing how the poem speaks to the reader and how it reminds them of something else may be a good way to really emphasize the value of the work.
Tips for Effective Commenting on Poetry
When providing a comment on someone’s poem it is important to be respectful and honest. Do not be afraid to offer constructive criticism if it can be given in a polite and helpful manner. Many poets are open to advice as it can help them improve their craft. Additionally, allow for time to really absorb the piece. Expert poet and author of the book “The Art of Poetry”, Carlos Salazar, suggests “It’s important to give yourself time to think and go back to a poem many times. With fresh eyes and a fresh mind, I’m always surprised how much I see that I didn’t see before.”
The Benefits of Commenting on Poetry
Commenting on poetry can be beneficial both to the reader and the poet. For the reader, it can be a great exercise in thinking critically. Examining another’s work can offer insight into how they think and view the world. Understandably, offering sound feedback on someone’s work is a great way to make a positive impression. As for the poet, comments can inform the author of the type of reader the poem appeals to, and allow the poet to understand what effect their work is having.
Offering Different Perspectives
Sometimes, it can be difficult for the reader to truly connect with the poem. In these cases, it might be helpful to offer a different perspective. It is important to respect the work of the poet and be careful not to go off base, but offering different meanings or interpretations can often be a great way to look at a piece of poetry in a unique and refreshing way.
Conclusion
Commenting on someone’s poetry can be both a rewarding and intimidating task. Understanding what makes a poem appealing can be a great way to offer meaningful and appropriate feedback. Plus, both reader and poet can learn and grow from the exchange. To accomplish this, it is important to understand the poet’s intentions and offer meaningful opinions both respectfully and honestly.
A Deep Evaluation of the Poem
When commenting on someone’s poem, it is important to undertake a deep evaluation of the poem. This means carefully and critically analyzing it, looking for the deeper and more subtle meaning, as well as considering the form and structure and how this contributes to the poem’s overall message. Consider the words used, their placement and any rhymes, rhythms or patterns of the poem. Also, think about the rhyme scheme and whether it has any particular impact on the poem, as well as any other literary techniques used by the poet.
How to Communicate Effectively About the Poem
When communicating about a poem, it is important to be as clear and direct as possible. Avoid opinions that are too subjective, such as ‘I like it’, but instead focus on facts and observations. Also, think about how to express any criticism or points for improvement in a helpful and constructive way and consider using specific examples from the poem to illustrate your points. By using concrete examples, the poet should gain a better idea of what you are trying to communicate.
Finding Creative Ways to Connect With the Poem
Connecting with a poem in a more creative way can help the reader communicate more effectively about the poem. Find meaningful connections between the poem’s themes and the reader’s life experiences. This can help to create a deeper understanding and appreciation of the poem. Also, try to think of creative ways to interpret the poem, or what the poet is trying to say by writing it. Finding creative connections to the poem can also help to reinforce the reader’s understanding.
Appreciating the Poet’s Perspective
When commenting on someone’s poem, it is important to appreciate the poet’s perspective. Trying to step into the poet’s shoes can help to provide an insight into the motivations behind writing the poem. Consider in what ways the poem is meaningful to the poet and think carefully about the reasons why it was written. Think about why the poet may have chosen a particular form or particular words and what this says about the poem.
Encouraging Open Discussion
When commenting on someone’s poem, it is important to allow for open discussion. This can help the poet to understand their own work better and allow for a meaningful exchange of ideas. Encourage the poet to explain the context for their work, think about the writer’s audience, and consider different interpretations of the poem. Listening to the opinion of others can provide a valuable insight into the poem and ultimately help both the poet and reader to appreciate it more.
