Background Information
When writing a poetry essay, the conclusion should be just as important as the introduction – it should both analyze and consider the poem’s structure, imagery and language, while also interpreting and evaluating its meaning. A well-written, thought-provoking conclusion that ties together the various elements of the poetry essay can leave an indelible and memorable impression on the reader.
Exploring Structure
In concluding a poetry essay, it can be helpful to look at the structure of the poem. Examining the work in relation to meter, rhyme, and line length can provide useful insight and understanding of the poem’s overall aesthetic. For example, the meter of a poem can provide insight into its overall theme and message, as well as its overall structure and pacing. Rhyme can also offer clues and hints at the meaning of the poem, and can provide insight into the poet’s intent. Line length can also offer hints at underlying themes and meanings, since longer lines tend to be more descriptive, while shorter lines are often more direct and straightforward. Exploring the structure of the poem can provide useful information for the conclusion of a poetry essay.
Exploring Imagery
The imagery used in a poem can also provide insight into its meaning, so this should also be addressed in the conclusion of a poetry essay. Imagery is the poet’s way of bringing the poem to life and should be considered in the conclusion. Looking at the images that the poet used, as well as the symbolism employed, can provide further insight into the overall message and meaning of the poem. Furthermore, the use of specific imagery can also be used to evaluate the poet’s intent and make a statement about the poem’s overall impact and effectiveness.
Exploring Language
The language used in a poem is also an important factor to consider in the conclusion of a poetry essay. The language used can provide insight into the poet’s intent, tone, and overall style. Looking at the vocabulary and syntax employed can help to further understand the poem and its effects. For example, the use of certain words or phrases may be used to evoke certain feelings and make the poem more evocative and insightful. Additionally, examining the words used in comparison to the context of the poem can also help to create a better understanding of the poet’s intent and the poem’s overall message.
Analyzing Meaning
In conclusion, the analysis of the poem’s meaning is perhaps the most important element of a poetry essay. Looking at the poem’s structure, imagery, and language can provide useful insight into its overall meaning, but the conclusion should also attempt to evaluate the poem’s effectiveness and make an overall statement about its impact. It should provide the reader with a sense of closure and finality, and leave them with a lasting impression.
Providing Context
In addition to evaluating the poem’s effectiveness, the conclusion should also provide context for the poem, in terms of how it fits within a larger literary history. Does the poem reference events or trends that are significant in a particular era or culture? Are there similar poems or types of poetic forms that the poem could be compared to? Providing this type of background and context can help to further illustrate the poem’s significance and importance.
Providing Interpretation
Finally, the conclusion should provide the reader with a personal interpretation and evaluation of the poem. How does the poem make the reader feel? What does it say about the poet, and about the larger world? Are there any particular images or lines that are particularly powerful or meaningful? Exploring these questions in the conclusion can help to bring the poem to life and leave the reader with a vivid understanding of its impact and resonance.
Developing A Thesis
The conclusion to a poetry essay should develop a thesis statement that summarizes the paper’s argument and the poem’s significance. The thesis statement should clearly state the argument that is being made about the poem, and should be supported by the evidence presented earlier in the paper. The thesis statement should also be phrased in an interesting and compelling way, in order to draw the reader’s attention and to provide a memorable takeaway.
Exploring Themes
The analysis of a poem’s various themes should also be addressed in the conclusion. Examining the various themes that the poem explores and how they are presented can provide insight into the poem’s overall message and significance. This can be done by looking at the images and language that the poet uses, as well as any references that the poem may contain. Addressing the themes of the poem in the conclusion can help to provide further insight into its meaning and impact.
Exploring Tone
The tone of the poem should also be discussed in the conclusion. Tone is often closely linked to themes, so exploring the tone can help to further unpack the meaning of the poem and provide a unique perspective. Tone can be explored by looking at the language used, as well as by considering the descriptive phrases and imagery that the poet uses. Addressing the tone of the poem can add another layer of understanding and appreciation for the poem and its overall message.
Exploring Ideas
In addition to exploring the poem’s structure, imagery, language, themes, and tone, the conclusion should also explore any ideas or perspectives that the poem may be introducing or suggesting. Does the poem provide a comment on a particular issue or social issue? Does the poem explore any controversial topics or issues? Exploring these ideas can provide the reader with a deeper understanding of the poem and its overall impact.
Considering Emotions
Finally, the conclusion should consider the emotions evoked by the poem. In general, poems are meant to evoke strong emotions, so exploring the emotions that the poem evokes can provide further insight into its message and significance. Does the poem make the reader feel sad, joyful, angry, confused, or inspired? Addressing the emotions evoked by the poem can bring the poem to life for the reader and provide a unique, memorable impression.
