How to Critique Poetry:
Poetry critiques can be harsh at times but they’re important for helping the writer and the reader see what works and what doesn’t work in the writing. Often times the writer has a different point of view on the work than the reader has – that disconnect needs to be explored through a critique.
- A poetry critique doesn’t have to be mean but it should be constructive, shedding light on the poem’s successes and failures.
- To critique a poem, you need to read it without any pre-conceived ideas. Write down what you love, what you hate, and make note of the parts of the poem that confused you or you feel should have been developed better.
- Write at least a few specific comments about the poem, not something like, “I enjoyed it.” Instead, address what you liked such as the word choice, the characters, or the imagery.
- Be as precise as possible in your critique so the writer and the reader will have an understanding of what you like and don’t like about the work.If you have suggestions about ways to improve the poem, explain the changes you recommend and why you think those changes could enhance the writing.
- Pay attention to the poem’s voice, the writer’s use of grammar, and the overall flow of the piece. By focusing on these areas and more, you’ll pinpoint the strengths and the weaknesses of the poem, which will definitely benefit the writer who may make a few revisions based on your helpful critique.
My Poetry:
THESE THINGS http://amzn.to/ijj6O2
OUR NATURE http://amzn.to/nM2Hxu
THIS NATURE http://amzn.to/zPyncK
or my websIte: THESE THINGS ARE A ONE THING http://bit.ly/iionKS
--e. smith sleigh