Poetry Aid for the CSEC Exam

Here are some questions that will help you to analyse the prescribed poems and write an effective essay.

Select two poems and attempt the following activities:

• In your own words, say what the poems are about.
• From whose point of view is each poem written? Why does the poet choose this voice?
• Describe the tone of each speaker.
• Describe the mood created.
• Comment on the treatment of the major themes.
• Identify two outstanding images that are used in each poem and describe their effectiveness.
• Comment on the use of dialect.
• Comment on the use of repetition.
• Identify and comment on the use of symbols.
• State one contrast that is mentioned and explain its effectiveness.
• Describe the form of each poem.
• Comment on how the form of each poem underscores its theme.
• Describe the conflict or problem that the persona in each poem experiences.
• Say what effect the poems have on you.
• Which lines of the poems appeal to you. Why?
• Describe the use of the natural environment.
• Which of the two poems is more alarming? Why?
• Which of the speakers appeals more to your sympathy? Why?
• Which of the two poems is more enjoyable? Give reasons for your answer.
• What lessons can you learn from each poem?
• How does the persona in each poem change from the beginning to the end of the poem?

***Once you can answer these questions, you can answer any question that could possibly come on the exam paper***