S3QR
Method for Analyzing PoemsS
peaker: Who is it? Who (if anyone) is being addressed? What details can you determine about the speaker and audience?S
ituation: Where and when? What (if anything) is happening? What is the context of the poem—historical, literary background?S
tructure: What poetic patterns are used—rhyme, rhythm, line lengths, stanzas? Study the word choice of the poet (diction)--is the language formal, informal, unusual in any way? Examine poetic devices—imagery, figures of speech. How do the patterns, diction, and devices help to convey the meaning?Q
uestion: What is the main idea or subject? What compels the speaker to communicate on this subject?R
esponse: What is the speaker’s response to the subject/situation (theme)? What is the speaker’s attitude toward the subject (tone)? What response does the poet want to provoke from the reader?|
abashed |
child-like |
frivolous |
pessimistic |
somber |
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abrasive |
cold |
ghoulish |
pitiful |
sorrowful |
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abusive |
complimentary |
giddy |
playful |
stern |
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acquiescent |
condescending |
gleeful |
poignant |
straightforward |
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accepting |
confident |
glum |
pragmatic |
stentorian |
|
acerbic |
confused |
grim |
proud |
strident |
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admiring |
coy |
guarded |
provocative |
stunned |
|
adoring |
contemptuous |
guilty |
questioning |
subdued |
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affectionate |
conversational |
happy |
rallying |
supercilious |
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aghast |
critical |
harsh |
reflective |
swaggering |
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allusive |
curt |
haughty |
regretful |
sweet |
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amused |
cynical |
heavy-hearted |
reminiscing |
sympathetic |
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angry |
defamatory |
hollow |
reproachful |
taunting |
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anxious |
denunciatory |
horrified |
resigned |
tense |
|
apologetic |
despairing |
humorous |
respectful |
terrified |
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apprehensive |
detached |
hypercritical |
restrained |
thoughtful |
|
approving |
didactic |
indifferent |
reticent |
threatening |
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ardent |
disbelieving |
indignant |
reverent |
tired touchy |
|
argumentative |
discouraged |
indulgent |
rueful |
trenchant |
|
audacious |
disdainful |
inquisitive |
sad |
uncertain |
|
awe-struck |
disparaging |
ironic |
sarcastic |
understated |
|
bantering |
disrespectful |
irreverent |
sardonic |
upset |
|
begrudging |
distracted |
joking |
satirical |
urgent |
|
bemused |
doubtful |
jolly |
satisfied |
vexed |
|
benevolent |
dramatic |
joyful |
secretive |
vibrant |
|
biting |
dreamy |
languid |
seductive |
wary |
|
bitter |
dry |
laudatory |
self-critical |
whimsical |
|
blithe |
ecstatic |
light-hearted |
self-justifying |
withering |
|
boastful |
entranced |
lingering |
self-mocking |
wry |
|
boisterous |
enthusiastic |
loving |
self-pitying |
zealous |
|
bored |
eulogistic |
marveling |
self-satisfied |
|
|
brisk |
exhilarated |
melancholy |
sentimental |
|
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bristling |
exultant |
mistrustful |
serious |
|
|
brusque |
facetious |
mocking |
severe |
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|
calm |
fanciful |
mysterious |
sharp |
|
|
candid |
fearful |
naïve |
shocked |
|
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caressing |
flippant |
neutral |
silly |
|
|
caustic |
fond |
nostalgic |
sly |
|
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cavalier |
forceful |
objective |
smug |
|
|
childish |
frightened |
peaceful |
solemn |