Poetry Goals

1. Don't read the poem line by line, instead sentence by sentence
2.  Interpret poems in a more efficient manner 
3.  Decipher the type of poem 
4.  Decipher the tone of the poem 
5.   Understand, recognize, and apply poetry terms

I am more of an analytical person, therefore, poetry frustrates me; I prefer writing that is straight forward.  Subsequently, while reading I tend to focus on the rhythmic pattern and avoid interpretation.  I had to read the poems multiple times before fully understanding them, and I would like only to read a poem two or three times.   Deciphering the type and tone of a poem was difficult for me during the practice problems.  In order to interpret the type of poem, I need to understand the terms of poetry.   As for the tone, I need to learn to analyze the poem and determine its subject.  I noticed that my interpretation for “The First Snowfall” was best; therefore deciphering its tone was easy.  Although I am not a great admirer of poems, I appreciate the complexity in the structure of poetry as it tries to convey meaning and emotion all in one. 

Diagnostic Test Reflection

Taking the test was good for me because I discovered my strengths and weaknesses.  Recognizing the insight that one can gather from a work of literature was not surprising, however, I was frustrated at my inability to do so.  I realized that I need to become more familiar with my literary terms, and I need to learn how to analyze a work of literature more effectively so that I too can draw conclusions based on my analyses, and form educated opinions.  Despite these setbacks, I was pleased with how I worked through the test and was able to recall prior knowledge to help answer the questions.