POETRY & POETRY & PHILOSOPHYPHILOSOPHY

New DimensionsNew Dimensions

ExplicateExplicate To give a detailed explanation To give a detailed explanation

of; to take apart and explainof; to take apart and explain Also referred to as a Close Also referred to as a Close

Reading Reading

Literal vs. FigurativeLiteral vs. Figurative

LiteralLiteral dictionary definition, actual and factualdictionary definition, actual and factual exact denotationexact denotation

FigurativeFigurative Non-literal, connotativeNon-literal, connotative MetaphoricalMetaphorical Implied meanings using figures of speech or Implied meanings using figures of speech or

poetic devicespoetic devices

Explication ProcessExplication ProcessTop 10 ListTop 10 List

1. Make a prediction based on the title1. Make a prediction based on the title

2. Carefully read 2. Carefully read and re-readand re-read the poem the poem

3. Decide who the speaker is and what is his/her 3. Decide who the speaker is and what is his/her subjectsubject

4.Paraphrase the poets ideas line by line4.Paraphrase the poets ideas line by line

5. Annotate all figurative language5. Annotate all figurative language

6. Annotate any rhyme scheme, meter or form6. Annotate any rhyme scheme, meter or form

7. Note the poet’s tone (attitude toward his subject)7. Note the poet’s tone (attitude toward his subject)

8. Note any shift8. Note any shift change in tone or directionchange in tone or direction discovery or revelationdiscovery or revelation conclusion is drawnconclusion is drawn

9. Re-examine the title: was your prediction correct?9. Re-examine the title: was your prediction correct?

10. Interpret the poet’s theme, the message10. Interpret the poet’s theme, the message