What is the best way to figure out a poem's theme?

Question

Look for a line in which the poet states the theme directly.

Infer the theme from details, images, and symbols.

Analyze the rhyme scheme and meter of the poem.

Use the poet's biography as a clue.

Answer 1

There's no mechanical answer to such a question, but I'll give one to see what I come up with.

All statements about theme are best stated as a complete sentence--otherwise you have only a subject.

Look for the dramatic turn in the poem, the place where it changes, as most poems do.

Figure out if it's a turn the poem thinks is good. If so state the theme as an affirmation; if not, state it as a denial.

Answer 2

Try to think of a word that rhymes with alot of other words

Answer 3

If this is multiple choice, the answer is B - infer the theme from details, images & symbols.

If not, the short answer to this is: read it.  

Figure out what the poet is talking about in general, and that's the theme.

Answer 4

google is the best way...