3 Steps to understand the deeper meaning of a poem

3 Steps to understand the deeper meaning of a poem

1.     1.  Read the poem 3 times

Reading the poem aloud helps understand the music and rhythm of the poem. Does it read fast or slow? Does it have a staccato or domino effect? Poets write with music and rhythm in mind. Understanding this helps look at the effect of the poem on the reader.

2.       2. Use the dictionary

Finding meaning of words you have come across for the first time helps. Amanda Chong uses the word “kiris” for example in her poem called “Lion Heart”. “Kiris” is an asymmetrical dagger. It was a dagger used in Singapore. The poet uses this word here because it is a part of its history. Hence, the word represents the history of the country. This makes the poem patriotic. The use of other words in the poem along with the word “keris” helps understand deeper meaning.

3. 3.       Look for patterns

Is the word “You” used more than once? Where is it used? Does the word “then” come in the first line of the third stanza? If it does, it could probably mean a change of some sort in the poem. What is the word “you” used for? Is it for the reader? Is it for the poet’s mother? Does it represent a country? One word can have many interpretations.

Look for patters and give a meaning to the pattern.

Poets will always have a meaning to read and another to understand. The steps above take one step toward understanding deeper meaning.