Tasks: Example of poetry analysis

Work with a partner and write down shared answers to the discussion questions.

1. The analysis claims that this poem is about two people who are very different. What evidence is given for that?
2. The analysis claims that the rhyme scheme of the poem can be seen as a metaphor for the relationship between the two characters in the poem. Do you agree with that? Give reasons for your answer.
3. Are all the images used in the poem clearly linked to the colour red or blue? Explain using examples.

How can the analysis be improved?

Write a short text (160–250 words) where you give advice on how this analysis can be made better.

You may want to visit NDLA's page about poetry analysis to find things to comment on.

Use formal and polite language.

Make a checklist for poetry analysis to help you next time you are going to analyse a poem.

You can use the text "Primary colours: An analysis of the poem R & B by Patience Agbabi", and the text "How to analyze a poem", which you will find below,.

Go through the checklist in class, and try to agree on a shared list.

An illustration is using art like drawings, paintings, collages, and photography to interpret a text or part of a text. Use a method you have available to you and make an illustration for the poem "R&B"

When you have made your illustration sit in groups and present what you have made. Explain what the idea behind the illustration was and how it relates to the poem.