Focus on how the words are ordered. Look for patterns.
- Is the word order or sentence structure (
syntax) unusual in any way,
and what is the effect of this?
- Is the word order straightforward and clear, or does it create
ambiguity ambiguity in certain
places?
- Are some phrases and words repeated, and what is the effect of such
repetition?
- Are there any noticeable patterns in the ordering of words? If so, how do the patterns
affect your reading and contribute to meaning?
- Do the lines have strong end-stops, or do they break across lines
(enjamb)? Do the lines end with a final
stress or
rhyme? Does each line tend to be a self-contained, grammatical unit,
or does it vary?
- Are there lots of long, complete sentences (simple or complex?), or are there many
sentence fragments and phrases? Does the poem stop and start, or does it move or flow
continuously? What is the effect of this?
Punctuation. Punctuation organizes and creates relationship between words,
phrases, and sentences. In poetry, where lines are often seen as units of meaning,
the
importance of punctuation is sometimes magnified, though often overlooked. Punctuation
can
create or reinforce
rhythm. It can also control meaning or
make meaning uncertain by its placement and usage, especially if it is used minimally,
or in
some cases, not at all.
- What role does punctuation have in the poem? Is it consistent? What does punctuation
tell you about the pace and movement of the poem?
- Does it follow accepted rules and conventions, or is it used in unusual
ways?
[Key terms:
syntax,
ambiguity,
enjambment,
end-stopped line,
stress,
rhyme.]