How to Read a Narrative Poem
- 1). Define the poem's theme. Narrative poems tend to describe a particular event. Identify what the writer is trying to say in the poem, why certain events occur, why the story in the poem may be seen as worth writing about, the outcome and possible message of the story.
- 2). Get to know the characters. Most narrative poems revolve around a main character, a living being. Think about who the main character is, the other characters in the poem, what they are doing, how many there are, how they influence the story, what happens in the story and how they are affected.
- 3). Present the setting of the poem. Think about where the events in the story take place, why this is relevant, whether the setting of the story is obvious or implied, if the setting adds to the topic of the poem, if you can relate to the setting in any way.
- 4). Focus on the use of imagery. Much of the time, in narrative poetry, the writer relies on imagery to help convey his or her story. A lipstick stain on the cheek may convey the company of a woman. Hard, tired hands might infer a working life.
Source...