Guidelines for Answering

You Must Know! Theme Techniques

When Answering Keep in mind all features of the poem, do not concentrate on summing up the whole poem. SMILES should help you stay on track and stop you summarising!

SMILES S = Subject matter (what is the poem about). For example in ‘Child’ Plath expresses her love for her child while also revealing her inner torment.

SMILES M = Message or Meaning. This is also know as the theme of the poem. It can be connected to the subject matter.

SMILES I = Imagery Poets use images or pictures to help us imagine a scene or clarify ideas by comparing one thing to another. Poets want to create a very vivid image for their readers. Every poem has imagery so you should be confident discussing it.

SMILES L = Language The language of the poem refers to the poet’s choice of words. Poets choose words very carefully to convey exact meaning. It also refers to any poetic techniques used e.g. simile, metaphor, alliteration, assonance, onomatopoeia, rhyming, repetition etc.

SMILES E = Emotions This refers to the feelings of the poet as he/she was writing the poem, or the feelings of the reader while the poem is being read. Another word is tone or the atmosphere created.

SMILES S = Structure This refers to the format of the poem. Layout, how many stanzas etc.

SMILES You do not have to write about each of these features in every answer but it is helpful to keep each one in mind if you feel like you are starting to summarise a poem instead of analysing. It can also be helpful to give you a checklist of what to discuss if you are asked to write about your personal response or asked why you liked or disliked a poem.

Questions … Make sure you read the question very carefully. Underline the key words. Spend a little time thinking about your response. Write a short plan/brainstorm/spider diagram etc.

Evidence … Back up response with carefully chosen quotations. Avoid writing out long sections of the poem. (waste of time!) Choose quotations that will help illustrate/explain your points you are making. Sometimes a word on its own will explain your point.

Answers … Do not need to be very long …avoid rambling and repeating yourself. Avoid telling the story of the poem – focus on the question asked. Examiners are looking for quality not quantity.

Personal Response Give a personal response to the poem this will get you more points. Use phrases like; ‘I enjoyed’, ‘I liked’, ‘This made me feel’, ‘In my opinion’, ‘I was shocked’… etc. Use SMILES.

Examples of language of personal engagement. I can relate to the poem because … This poem reminds me of … I enjoyed this poem because … What I liked/disliked about this poem was … The poem opened my eyes to … This poem helped me to understand … The poem offers interesting insights into … I particularly liked the image of … I love the poet’s wonderful use of detail … The poet’s eye for detail brings the poem/character to life …

Structure Brief introduction Clear, well structured paragraphs Illustrate with reference to your point Write a brief conclusion which refers to the question.

Exercise: Plath Essay Question “Plath’s poetry reflects a wide range of powerful emotions communicated through thought-provoking imagery.” Do you agree with this assessment of her poetry? Your answer should focus on her themes and the way she expresses them. Support the points you make with suitable reference to the poetry of Sylvia Plath on your course.

Exercise: Plath Essay Question Marking Scheme:  Students should deal with both emotions and poetic devices.  Reward a personal response.  Penalise straight summaries.

Emotions Morning Song A mother’s feelings of unease at the birth of her first child But more importantly, feelings of joy, love and intimacy Mirror A search for identity A fear of ageing Poppies in July Desperation beyond pain Numbness The Arrival of the Bee Box Freedom from repression Having control over one’s emotions Child Initially joy at her son’s beauty and hope for his future Then the unhappiness and fears that consume her

Imagery Much of imagery unusual and disturbing Many images rooted in the natural world Language very precise and words carefully chosen Adjectives well chosen and much use of symbolism Metaphors and similes are apt and graphic