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Identifying poetic conventions in a poem is a good way to start your analysis.
Analysis is simply the process of writing about the poem, using evidence from the text to support your understanding.
It can seem a little difficult at first, but if you track through the poem in a linear way (in order from start to finish) and select evidence of poetic conventions (literary devices), you will be analysing!
We are going to do that with a famous love poem. Have a read of it, and get ready to answer some questions.
Sonnet 43 - Elizabeth Barrett Browning
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of being and ideal grace.
I love thee to the level of every day’s
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for right.
I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
