Understanding Poetry
Poetry is an art form that requires a deep understanding of language and its use. Before attempting to write a review of a poetry work, it is important to understand how the poet intends to communicate, using both literary and figurative language. Working your way through the poem, examining each line or stanza, can help you gain a better understanding of the poem’s intent and composition. Understanding the form of the poem, the intended audience, and the poet’s use of language, can help you prepare to write a review effectively.
Review Criteria
The criteria that you’ll use to evaluate a poem may vary depending on the genre, but some common ones are: structure and form, punctuation, diction and syntax, imagery, humor, and emotion. Structure and form refers to the type of poem being written and its use of rhyme scheme, meter, and other poetic techniques; if the poem is written in a traditional form, you’ll want to judge how closely the poem hews to that form.
Punctuation, diction and syntax should be examined for appropriateness with the piece. Diction is the exacting choice of words that make up the poem, and syntax is the arrangement of those words. Imagery looks at the use of vivid language to create visual scenes and evoke emotion. Humor can range from subtle wit to outright satire; the critic should be able to identify when the poet is attempting to use it. Emotion assessment should cover how effectively the poem conveys emotion and how convincing that emotion is.
Research
Before writing your review, it is important to do some research on the poet, their background and past works. You should also review the theme of the poem and try to relate it to other works or to other authors or poets. This background knowledge can help to provide context for the poem and your own interpretation. Doing a comparison of the poem to similar works can help you articulate why the poem stands out and its importance to the genre.
Writing the Review
When it comes to writing the review, it is important to be thorough and detailed. Start by providing an overview of the poem and its structure, provide a brief summary of the poem’s theme, and comment on the author’s use of literary devices, such as similes and metaphors. Then, provide your assessment of the poem’s overall impact, including its originality and strength in capturing the emotions intended by the poet.
Be sure to provide reasoning for any criticisms or praise. This can include referencing other works or quotes from the poem. As a reviewer, you should provide an honest and unbiased opinion. It is also important to keep in mind the intended audience of the poem and determine if it accomplishes its purpose.
Style and Structure
Writing a review of a poem requires an understanding of the structure of the poem and its subject matter. When it comes to the structure of the review itself, it is important to be clear and concise, as this will ensure that your review is readable and easy to follow.
Start with a brief introduction of the poem and its author, then move on to a condensed summary of the poem’s theme and structure. The length of the review should fit the length of the poem; do not focus too much on long quotes of the work if it is a haiku, for example. Finish the review with a clear conclusion, summarizing your opinion of the poem and the writer’s accomplishments.
Quality is Key
Finally, it is important to ensure that your review is of the highest quality. Proofread your review for any spelling or grammar errors, and make sure that your analysis is well reasoned and easy to follow. Clarity of thought and concise arguments are more effective than flowery language and unsubstantiated claims.
Using Emotional Triggers
Writing a review of a poem is more than just an evaluation; it is a way of showing appreciation and understanding of the poet’s work. As a critic, you should strive to capture the emotion of the poem and communicate it to your readers. Utilizing emotional triggers, like metaphors and similes, can help you convey the feelings of the poem.
When used sparingly and effectively, these devices can help your readers understand the poem from a personal standpoint rather than a technical one. While a subjective experience will always be necessary for any review, embracing the emotion of a poem can make your words more meaningful and impactful.
Including An Expert Opinion
Including an opinion from a learned expert can help give credibility to your review. Reach out to an academic or respected poet to provide an outsiders perspective on the poem. Providing different interpretations of the poem, especially if the poem has multiple meanings, can provide readers with a well-rounded perspective. Cite the authority of the expert and explain why their opinion is relevant to the poem.
Engaging the Reader
The key to any successful review is engagement. Writing about a poem can be difficult as its component of emotion can often make it difficult to articulate. In order to create an engaging review, the writer should focus on hooking the reader with descriptions that evoke emotion, rather than memorizing individual words and quotes from the poem. With the help of literary devices and emotional triggers, it is possible to craft a review that will make readers stop and think.
Sharing Your Own Unique Perspective
The final component of a quality review is to make sure that your own unique opinion is shared. Many people view the same poem differently, so providing your readers with an outsider’s perspective can be very beneficial. Share your thoughts and observations, as well as your analysis of the poem. Be sure to provide clear, logical explanations for your opinions and to also include your personal experiences with the poem. Ultimately, the goal of a review should be to provide an honest, unbiased opinion of the work and to give readers something to think about.
