Essay Introductions for Poetry

Preparing Essay Introductions for Poetry

An excellent way for students to show that they understand the main techniques and ideas in the poems is to prepare a brief introduction for each of the anthology poems studied. Mark recommends the following format:

Form

Form refers to the type of poem.
For example, an elegy, sonnet, or a didactic poem.

Tone

Tone being the writer’s or speaker’s attitude towards a subject.
Students should focus on the author's point of view or choice of words.

Conceit

Are there any extended metaphors running throughout the poem?

Deeper meaning

Students need to identify any key themes or ideas.
They should also read between the lines to see what is hidden beneath the obvious meaning of the poem.

1Using Context Successfully

1.1Using Context Successfully

1.1.1What is Context & Why is it Important?

1.1.2Common Mistakes with Context 1

1.1.3Common Mistakes with Context 2

1.1.4Key Points for Context

2Improving Practice Essays

2.1Improving Practice Essays

2.1.1How to Revise for the Component Parts of an Essay

2.1.2Essay Introductions for Novels & Plays

2.1.3Essay Introductions for Poetry

2.1.4Main Body of the Essay

2.1.5Key Points for Writing Practise Essays

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