How to Explicate a Poem


HOW TO EXPLICATE A POEM(with thanks to Betsy Draine of the University of Wisconsin-Madison)

 

ex·pli·cate/ˈekspliˌkāt/Verb

1. Analyze and develop (an idea or principle) in detail.
2. Analyze (a literary work) in order to reveal its meaning. 

 

 

A good poem is like a puzzle--the most fascinating part is studying the individual pieces carefully and then putting them back together to see how beautifully the whole thing fits together. A poem can have a number of different "pieces" that you need to look at closely in order to complete the poetic "puzzle." This sheet explains one way to attempt an explication of a poem, by examining each "piece" of the poem separately. (An "explication" is simply an explanation of how all the elements in a poem work together to achieve the total meaning and effect.)

  Examine the situation in the poem:

Examine thestructureof the poem:

Examine thelanguageof the poem:

Examine themusical devicesin the poem:

Has the poem created a change in mood for you--or a change in attitude? How have the technical elements helped the poet create this effect?