Understanding the Basics of a Poetry Explication Essay
Before studying how to write a poetry explication essay, one needs to understand what it is. Essentially, a poetry explication essay is an assignment that requires one to closely analyze a poem and provide the objective interpretation of its meaning. It is usually written in the form of an essay where the student uses the close reading process to evaluate the poem and then interpret it, citing relevant proof from the poem itself. Poetry explication essays can vary in length, but typically require roughly 500 words.
Breakdown the poem into its components:
The first step when writing a poetry explication essay is to break down the poem into its components. This helps the reader to create an understanding of the poem’s meaning and messages. Look for relevant devices such as rhyme, tone, symbols, images, metaphors, similes, and personification. Additionally, consider the poem’s structure and themes. Poems can have multiple interpretations; thus, it is important to take the time to carefully break up the poem.
Analyzing the poem with close reading:
The next step when writing a poetry explication essay is to analyze the poem with close reading. Close reading involves carefully examining each line of the poem and noting how it contributes to the overall meaning. This is usually done with precise quotation and expanded explanation. Try to look for deeper meanings and connotations behind the words and phrases used in the poem. Additionally, consider looking at the poem as a whole to see what themes or messages emerge when all of the parts are finally put together.
Interpret the poem:
The final step in writing a poetry explication essay is to interpret the poem. During the interpretation stage, it is important to think carefully about what the poem means to you and to other readers. Consider the poem’s structure and devices to explain why the poet chose to create it this way and what meanings or messages they were trying to convey. Drawing parallels with other poems and even other forms of literature can also be useful. It is also important to remember to be as objective as possible when interpreting the poem.
Organizing the explication essay:
Now that the poem has been broken down, closely read, and interpreted, it is time to organize the explication essay. Start with an introduction that provides the necessary context and introduces the poem. After the introduction, provide an in-depth analysis of the poem that closely examines the poem’s structure, devices, and themes. Remember to provide plenty of evidence to back up any claims. Finally, conclude by providing your interpretation of the poem, including any pertinent connections between the poem and outside sources.
Incorporating Literary Theory:
When writing a poetry explication essay, it can be beneficial to incorporate literary theory. Literary theory looks at the poem in the context of its genre, style, and authorship. It can be used to answer questions such as “What genre of literature is this poem a part of?” or “What is the author trying to communicate?” Incorporating literary theory will help provide a more comprehensive and analytical look at the poem and ultimately give more depth to the explication essay.
Checking for accuracy and clarity:
The last step when writing a poetry explication essay is to go back and check for accuracy and clarity. Double-check to make sure your interpretations are accurate and that all of your quotes from the poem are cited correctly. Additionally, make sure all of your sentences are clear and easy to understand. Ask a friend or family member to read over the essay prior to submitting it to make sure it is error-free.
Additional Resources for Poetry Explications:
When writing a poetry explication essay, it can be helpful to use additional resources. There are a variety of helpful guides available online that can be used to help with the writing process. Additionally, other websites or books that contain analysis of various poems or authors can also be helpful. Finally, consulting with an instructor or professor can be beneficial to ensure that the interpretation of the poem is accurate and that the essay is well-crafted and organized.
Drawing Connections between the Poem and the Reader:
When writing a poetry explication essay, another useful tip is to draw connections between the poem and the reader. Thinking about how the poem speaks to the reader and how it relates to the reader’s life can help provide an interesting angle from which to approach the essay. Asking “Why does this poem matter to me?” or “What does this poem tell me about myself?” can be useful when interpreting the poem.
Exploring the Poet’s Biography:
Exploring the poet’s biography can also be useful when writing a poetry explication essay. Learning about the author’s life and their work can help provide a better understanding of their poem. This can give insight into the poet’s thought process and help to uncover deeper meanings in the poem. Additionally, exploring the biographies of other poets who wrote during the same period can help to better understand the poem’s context and influence.
Adding a Creative Element:
Adding a creative element to a poetry explication essay can help to make it stand out. This could involve writing an original poem in response to the analyzed poem or creating a symbolic or visual representation of the poem. This could also involve creating an artwork based on the poem’s themes or messages or writing a song inspired by the poem. This creative element can help to bring a unique perspective to the essay and demonstrate a deeper understanding of the poem.
Incorporating External Sources:
One of the best ways to add depth to a poetry explication essay is to incorporate external sources. This could include using sources such as biographies, other poetry, or articles in order to further understand the poem. Incorporating external sources can help to provide a more comprehensive analysis of the poem and create a more engaging essay. It can also help to provide evidence to support claims made in the explication.
