I have a hard time understanding poetry?

Question

how do i get better at reading poetry? it's very difficult for me and im about to go in AP literature and i want to be ready for all the poetry assignments we might have in the class and the final AP exam

Answer 1

also try to put yourself in the mindset of the writer, what is this person trying to say or feel... sometime you have to really analyze it, break it down into meaning full phrases , helps too...

and con-grates on AP

Answer 2

You have to read, read, read, and preferably aloud. Start with the poets that are more "narrative" in their style: they tell stories and so may be easier to understand at first. I am thinking of Keats, or even Milton. Maybe you should get an anthology of poetry from the library, and read on.

When you read aloud, do not bother first about the meaning, but concentrate on the sounds and rhythm. Ask yourself what words are stressed, or what sounds are repeated. This is a very important part of poetry.

Then, read the poem again, and ask yourself what words are used in the literal sense, and which ones are used metaphorically. Are there any images? are there similes? metaphors?

This, I think, should be good practice.

But, most importantly, if you read aloud, you will probably find it a very pleasurable way of appreciating poetry, and then, things will be easier for you.

Answer 3

I'm gonna be getting AP classes in high school and i have trouble reading poetry too. I recommend you to think outside the box.Think more deeply into the piece of literature that you are reading. Find out the many layers of it. Beware of figurative language! It can trick you! Also, if you don't know what a word means, look it up (duh!) it might help A LOT!  

Answer 4

just read all types of poetry... expand your knowledge, vocabulary & you'll get it, don't worry.

Answer 5

In AP, you will begin to read what is known as "Good Poetry."

The more you read, the more you will understand.

Don't try to out-think the poem. Let the story come to you.

Answer 6

I wirte poetry, so it just comes naturally for me.

But what I suggest you do is break the poem down into parts. Some poems may be metaphorical, so you have to decode their meanings.

I also suggest re-reading the poem a few times, that usually helps.

Answer 7

AP huh...well, congratulations!! Now, read everything you get your hands on, including soup labels, to the World Famous T.S.Eliot!!! Reading is only the first step. Now specialize...

Get books on mythology...'The Golden Bough' by Fraser is far better than Edith Hamilton's 'Mythology"...you'll find a LOT of mythology backing up poetry.

Study political strategies, ancient history---as much as you can! World history, astronomy, archeology, uh, get my drift?

Good...now ace that class!!

Answer 8

I agree that you should read everything you can get your hands on in regards to poetry.  Read the traditionalists as well as the contemporary.  And, always remember when reading a poem it's not about trying to understand what the poet is trying to convey but rather what you think and feel about the poem and how it applies to you - that's the key.