AP English Literature poetry tips?

I'm taking AP English Literature and I'm finding the poetry analysis section of the course quite challenging. What are your favorite strategies for dissecting and understanding the poems? Any help would be appreciated!

One effective approach to dissecting and understanding poems in AP English Literature is to employ the THINKS method. This method will help you analyze poems methodically, covering essential aspects for interpretation.

1. Title - Ponder the poem's title and consider its possible significance. Try to think of any themes or mood the title might introduce.

2. Holdings - Examine the poem's structure, considering elements like line breaks, stanza arrangement, and rhyme scheme. This can provide insight into the author's intention and desired impact.

3. Imagery - Identify any vivid descriptions or sensory details that paint a picture in your mind. Imagery often conveys emotions and is key for determining tone or mood.

4. Narrator - Determine the speaker in the poem, considering who is speaking and the point of view it's presented from. This will often impact the emotional perspective of the poem.

5. Key emotions - Identify the primary emotions or moods conveyed throughout the poem. Notice any transitions or shifts that contribute to the overall impact of the poem.

6. Shifts - Take note of any distinct changes in structure, tone, diction, or imagery that may signify a shift in emotion or perspective. These shifts often reveal how the poem's meaning unfolds or evolves.

7. Theme - After examining the above aspects, try to identify the poem's central theme or message. Consider how the title, imagery, emotions, and structure contribute to this overall meaning.

Remember to practice regularly to become more comfortable with analyzing poetry. Additionally, reviewing previously analyzed poems, discussing them with peers, or participating in study groups can help enhance your understanding and skills. With practice, using the THINKS method will become more natural, allowing you to confidently approach the poetry analysis sections in your AP English Literature course.