Responding+to+Poetry


 * RESPONDING TO POETRY **

Responding to poetry is a simultaneously objective and subjective process. On the one hand you need to look for specific literary elements that make the poem complete, but on the other hand you must allow yourself to react to it with emotion. In this peer evaluation exercise you will do both.

Here are the steps to take:


 * 1) In your group, **read your poem out loud**. Listen for the flow of each poem; listen for patterns in sound, images, and other literary devices.
 * 2) Pass your poem to the next person in the group.
 * 3) As you go through the poem, mark it thoroughly. Do the following:
 * 4) Label any **literary devices** you see—alliteration, assonance, consonance, personification, extended metaphor, etc.
 * 5) To the side of each stanza, write a **summary of the ideas expressed**. It can be a sentence or two.
 * 6) Mark any places that **appeal to you—comment on them**
 * 7) Mark the **emotional impact** of each stanza. How do the images make you feel?
 * 8) Comment on the **flow** of the poem. Does it flow smoothly? Are there particular sections that need more fluency?
 * 9) How strong is the **voice** of the poem? Does it give you a clear sense of speaker?
 * 10) Comment on the **diction** of the poem. Short poems depend on specific **word choices**.
 * 11) Write a **substantial, quality comment** for the poet. Would you like to see the poem **expanded?** Does it need to be **cut down**? What do you think?

BE HONEST, BE COMPLETE. HELP YOUR FELLOW POETS IMPROVE THEIR ARTISTIC ENDEAVOR!