How to Interpret the Structure of a Poem

 

What is the structure of a poem?

The term "structure" is used in poetry to denote the particular manner in which a poet chooses words and organises them into lines. The lines may be organised into long lines, short lines, or a mixture of long and short lines to form a poem. 

Structure in poetry is divided into:  

• The internal structure of a poem; 
• The external structure of a poem

The internal structure of a poem

 What is the internal structure of a poem?

The internal structure of a poem defines the orderly development of a poem from words to lines to stanzas. This internal structure of a poem gives the poem semantic significance and is determined by the intentions of the poet. 
Through a careful analysis of the development of the poem, the audience can identify the facts, feelings, and ideas that the poet wishes to communicate through the poem.

The external structure of a poem

What is the external structure of a poem?

The external structure of a poem refers to the visible shape of the poem that is brought about by the careful organization of lines and stanzas. This external structure of the poem is important while interpreting the poem. For instance, a poet may structure a poem to form the shape of a teardrop to show sadness, or a tree if the poem is about the environment.

 

By analysing both the internal and external structures of a poem, the audience can appreciate the importance of given facts, feelings, and ideas as expressed by the poem.

 

Further, analysing the structure of a poem leads us to its content and form.