Comparative literature is a wonderful subject where students get to read and analyze some of the greatest literary pieces of all time. From classics like Moby Dick to works of contemporary masters like Ursula Le Guin, students dive into worlds and words formerly unknown to them. And while reading fiction may come easy and almost naturally to most students, poetry can be a tricky subject. Poetry is an art on its own. To better understand and grasp poetry in comparative literature, here are some tips in reading and analyzing poetry. Image source: sites.google.com The first time you read a poem, read it for its face value. Do not dive into what the poet means or their intentions yet. Simply take the poem sentence by sentence, thought after thought. On the second reading, try to find the context of the poem based on the imagery and the message derived from the initial reading. Context can come from the era when the poet lived, their racial background, or their country of origin. The poem’s context may even reflect the poet’s part in a particular literary movement. Image source: retailmfa.blogspot.com After relating all the context of the poem with regards to the author or the period the poem was made, it is now possible to draw conclusions based on text evidence found in the work. Keep in mind that the poet is no longer able to interpret his work. A poem must stand alone and be able to divulge its message to the reader.
Hi there! I’m John Eilermann from St. Louis, Missouri, and I’m currently in college pursuing a degree in Comparative Literature. The vastness of the field I’m studying has kept me busy, and I don’t really mind it. Read more articles like this here.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
|