How to Take Notes for a Poem

In order to completely understand a poem and take the correct notes in your journal, use the following procedure:

1. Read the complete poem straight through.
2. Write down every term for which you cannot say a clear definition or words that the poet uses differently from what you understand the definition to be. 
3. Use a dictionary to look up and define all of the unfamiliar/unclear terms.  Be sure to use the definition according to the correct part of speech.
4. Using the smallest natural division (line by line or stanza by stanza), go back through the poem and rewrite it (paraphrase) in your own words.
5.  Record all applicable literary devices.  Be sure that you all write down the phrasing, the meaning (if applicable) and line number where you find that device.
6. Write the possible theme or underlying meaning of the poem.  Be sure to cite specific words and lines (textual references) that support your interpretation.  You do not need to be right with your interpretation, but you must attempt independent thought.  You will receive credit for genuinely trying.
7. Write a few lines of reaction to the poem.  Disliking a poem because “It’s long and I did not understand it” will not suffice for this portion.
8. Think of two questions or comments that you can use to contribute to class discussion.

 Your notes should look like the example below: 

“Title of Poem”                       Author                                     Page #
Terms	List all terms that you cannot define in exact words.  If you “sort of” know what it means,
	write it down here.
Definitions	Record the definition to every term according to the correct part of speech.  If you do not have
	a dictionary at home, use one in the classroom during class work time.
Paraphrase	Rewrite the entire poem in your words either line by line or stanza by stanza.
Literary	Record all literary devices, including the exact phrasing and line number.  For example, you
Devices	might write: Symbolism,  “gold” in line 8 can represent youth and beauty.
Theme	What is the underlying message or deeper significance of this poem?  Example:  Because the
	poet describes a young soldier suffering a horrible, meaningless death, the poet is trying to
	help readers understand the pointless tragedy of war.  Be sure to support with the text.
Reaction	Write a few lines of reaction to the story.  This portion needs to include more than “I liked this
	poem because it’s about love.”  Explain what exactly you liked or disliked and why.  Tell why
	you got confused if that’s the case or why this poem appealed to you.
Questions or	Write a couple of questions or comments for class discussion.  “I don’t have any questions”
Comments	will not suffice for this portion.  Be an active learning by figuring out something you can
	contribute to the class as a whole.