(1)
Read the poem silently to get a general sense of what’s going on.
(2) Look up any words you don’t know—or aren’t sure of. Use a good dictionary,
such as the hardcover American Heritage Dictionary. The very best is the Oxford
English Dictionary, but it is expensive and takes up many volumes (although it’s also
available
as a CD-ROM). Most paperback
dictionaries are inadequate.
(3) Read the poem again, trying to experience what the poem conveys. Pay attention
to
what’s literally going on. Notice
the specific details and sensory impressions.
(4)
Don’t try to jump immediately to some symbolic meaning.
Poems are not secret codes!
(5) Don’t worry too much about “understanding” the poem. It’s usually a cop-out, a
rationalization
for not paying attention, to give up and say you don’t understand.
(6) Don’t worry about whether you like or dislike the poem. Suspend your judgment
for
the time being. Just try to
experience what’s there on the page.
(7)
Read the poem aloud. Hear how
it sounds—and how it feels to say it.
—John Drury