Carving a path as a literary critic

 

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Literary critics don’t have it easy. The world of book reviews and criticism can be viewed as a mean and heartless one even when it isn’t. Intentional reading, careful crafting of analysis, and deliberate discussions among peers are necessary for success in the job. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Consuming books like a real enthusiast is a basic requirement for individuals desiring to become literary critics. Having an understanding of the genre of the book in need of a review would allow one for some healthy comparison with others in the same playing field. With a wide frame of reference and a strong background on book genres, book critics can be sure that their work is not based on their personal preference. John Eilermann St. Louis.

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There is no other way to get started in the playing field but by reviewing books for free. While more avenues and platforms for one to review books for profit are available, a humble start is still a favorable start. Reviewing books for free can help one become more confident in their skills and can widen their network. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Follow guidelines and standards in book reviewing in order to save on rewrites and rejections. A review that necessitates deep editing will never be a joy for an editing staff. As much as possible, avoid giving flaming bad reviews even when a book deserves it. Consider focusing on the reader instead of punishing an author for their unfavorable work. Find bits and pieces that can make the book worthwhile for the readers. John Eilermann St. Louis.

A beginner’s guide to C.S. Lewis

 Reading the works of mid-20th century writers can be daunting to those who are yet to discover them fully. One of these writers is C.S. Lewis whose oeuvre of more than 30 books covers fiction, non-fiction, and sometimes poetry. But, apart from his literature, C.S. Lewis in his capacity as a lay theologian is also known for his Christian writings. This article hopes to serve as a guide to readers who are beginning to take interest in the works of this influential British author. John Eilerman St. Louis

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Personal life

Born in Belfast, Ireland on 29 November 1898, Clive Staples Lewis was the son of Albert James Lewis and Florence Augusta Lewis. As a boy, he was influenced by reading the stories of Beatrix Potter. He was baptized in the Church of Ireland but fell away from the Church at the age of 15. He returned to Anglicanism at the age of 32, upon the influence of his friends which included J.R.R. Tolkien. He married Joy Davidman, an American writer, in 1956. He died on 22 November 1963. John Eilerman St. Louis

Fiction

As a writer, C.S. Lewis is best known for his fiction which includes The Space Trilogy, a series of science fiction novels, The Screwtape Letters, and The Great Divorce. His most recognizable work was The Chronicles of Narnia - a series of seven fantasy novels of children’s literature. It was adapted into a film trilogy which were released beginning in 2005. John Eilerman St. Louis

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Non-fiction

More than the body of work that C.S. Lewis wrote for fiction, it was his non-fiction writings that has become a massive influence to his readers. Foremost among these is Mere Christianity, which is an insightful work on the Christian belief. Other famous non-fiction works include An Experiment in Criticism, and A Grief Observed. John Eilerman St. Louis

Basic figures of speech every aspiring writer should know

 

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Any veteran writer knows the importance of having a firm grasp on the basic figures of speech. Even when writing academic papers, the use of creativity in writing is very much welcome, and it adds a dimension that cuts through the monotonous structure of formal writing. John Eilermann St. Louis. 

On that note, here are some examples of figures of speech for aspiring writers to help get them started on their writing journey. John Eilermann St. Louis. 

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Simile

As one of the most basic yet most creative forms of figures of speech, a simile is often described as comparing one subject to another. Examples range from as bright as the sun, as dark as night, as cold as ice, and more. Veteran writers make things more creative by changing it up a bit. Instead of saying as dark as night, they say as dark as the infinite abyss. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Metaphor

Metaphors are a basic figure of speech that uses an object or a description to depict a different object but not literally. A heart of gold, the strength of a bear, the kiss of death, and more are examples of metaphors. However, using metaphors needs to be practiced to be delivered effectively and clearly. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Fantasy novels everyone should read

 

Fiction has always been the escape people go to as a hobby. Through novels, readers can become different personalities, embody various desires, and discover something new about the characters they read and themselves in the process. While there are several genres in fiction, no other genre sends the reader to wild adventures more than fantasy does. Fantasy novels introduce readers to new worlds, unique characters, and plots that are often symbolic of real-world strife. If you haven’t had the chance to read fantasy before, here is a quick guide to fantasy novels everyone should read. John Eilerman St. Louis. 

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The Lord of the Rings series by J. R.R. Tolkien Considered as the greatest fantasy masterpiece ever written, The Lord of the Rings series is a masterful collection of fantasy novels set in Middle Earth. Its cast of characters consists of fantasy staples such as humans, dwarves, elves, hobbits, as well as supernatural elements like orcs, ents, ogres, goblins, ghosts, and a plethora of monsters. The main story revolves around Frodo Baggins and his quest to destroy a magical ring. John Eilerman St. Louis. 

Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling One of the most successful modern fantasy novels, the Harry Potter series tells the tale of a young boy who discovers his magical capabilities. It chronicles his education at Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft as well as the trials he faces as a murderous wizard seeks revenge. What makes the Harry Potter series especially endearing to its audiences is that it also a coming-of-age story. John Eilerman St. Louis. 

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The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis An epic fantasy series that emphasizes child-like imagination, The Chronicles of Narnia tells the story of siblings escaping World War 1 and finding themselves in the middle of another war in a fantasy world behind a cabinet in their home. The Chronicles of Narnia is also known to be filled with Christian symbolisms embedded into the narrative. John Eilerman St. Louis

All the good reasons to read every day

 

With the world in shambles, picking up a book and reading it for sheer pleasure seems counterintuitive. Over the past few years, reading books has been replaced with other hobbies and activities that offer less opportunities for individuals to learn. But reading offers a ton of benefits one should never miss out on. John Eilermann St. Louis. 

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Reading develops the brain. The activity requires the involvement of a complex network of signals and circuits in the brain. While reading offers mental stimulation, getting better at the activity requires exercise and discipline. Daily reading reduces stress. Reading takes one to places they’ve never been, offering a sweet escape from the stressful realities of life. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Each individual has their own vocabulary. The only way to enrich it is by reading every day and giving the brain the exercise it needs. When something isn’t made richer, it will become poorer, something the “Matthew Effect” suggests. Be sure to read daily for a rich vocabulary. Depression symptoms can be alleviated through reading regularly. People who suffer from depression often believe they have nothing in common with other individuals and have nobody to turn to. Reading can become their way to escape their own world and feel a sense of belongingness with the characters. John Eilermann St. Louis. 

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Individuals who read daily have an appreciation for knowledge and are intrigued by topics they know nothing about. Instead of leaving topics untouched, readers dive deep, giving themselves the chance to keep on learning. A person who is well-read maintains an appreciation and respect for education, qualities that are often overlooked these days. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Story development: Some tips on making a character more interesting

 

Writing a story is truly not a simple task. For this reason, character development is key to making the story interesting. Discussed in this blog are some suggestions on how to do this. John Eilermann St. Louis 

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A character should represent a number of things. One way that makes a character interesting is that he or she belongs to a particular life context that makes it easy for the audience to relate. Forrest Gump was effective as a character because of his ordinariness, which is a trait that audiences can easily relate to. This is also why it made perfect sense for Cinderella to come from the poor and the oppressed. John Eilermann St. Louis

Another thing that makes a character more effective is a flaw. A character flaw is important to the character’s success, because this is the handicap that the character must live with throughout the development of the story, making redemption much sweeter in the end. In some cases, the character’s flaw is part of the problem that must be solved. In other cases, the character gains some sense of victory despite having the flaw. Either way, the flaw shows its importance in a character’s success. John Eilermann St. Louis 

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Finally, it helps for the character to have a lot of internal dialogue. Internal thoughts have an elaborate way of showing who a character truly is. Intrapersonal thoughts also work wonderfully in a number of ways. First, it is a reflection of the character’s own journey and growth. Second, it is an aspect of the character that only the audience is fully aware of. John Eilermann St. Louis

Six books that are perfect for beginning readers

 

Reading is a great way to have one's mind open to different cultures, worlds, and languages. Not everyone has the privilege of developing good reading habits from childhood, which may become a disadvantage when a person enters adulthood. Here are six books every beginning reader should have on their list. John Eilermann St. Louis. 

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"Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White is an incredibly crafted novel that fits all age groups. Part of most school curricula, "Charlotte's Web" is a beloved classic with principles children can carry throughout their adulthood. "Meiko and the Fifth Treasure" by Eleanor Coerr is not exactly a popular choice. However, it does teach beginning readers a few things about Japan and its culture. John Eilermann St. Louis.

"Peter Pan" by J.M. Barrie is popular among people of all ages for its familiar story. While aimed at kids, the book still captures and recaptures the hearts of adults. It's a true testament to the belief that reading is a means to travel. "The Old Man and the Sea" by Ernest Hemmingway is a school staple that almost all English speakers have read it. Reasonably short, the classic inspires readers to grab a dictionary as it has a challenging vocabulary. John Eilermann St. Louis.

"A Wrinkle in Time" written by Madeline L'Engle is yet another classic that is easily a part of every early reader's life. The novel is composed of short and long sentences, engaging readers and letting them rest at times—great for pacing. Lois Lowry's "The Giver" has an easy-to-understand vocabulary and is free of confusion. With those qualities, the long novel can be finished in a breeze. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Work your writing muscle with these tips

In order to be a good writer, one must have a good command of the language they are listening, reading, and speaking. Improving in the practice of writing requires time, effort, patience, and intentionality. Here are a few tips to help work your writing muscle.

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Keep a diary. While considered an old-fashioned and outdated way of documenting one’s daily encounters and musings, it still helps develop one’s appreciation for writing. For those who partner writing with calligraphy, keeping a diary may also help improve one’s handwriting. Writers who consider themselves extroverts are more inclined to start a blog than keep a physical journal. Maintaining a blog can help a writer become more confident in putting their material out for the world to see. John Eilermann St. Louis.

If keeping a public blog seems like a stretch for one, they can always write for school magazines and newsletters. Doing this can give a writer their first taste of journalism. Fiercely confident writers work their muscle by joining literary article competitions. Such competitions double as an avenue for a writer to improve their style. One can gain invaluable knowledge and experience by participating in such competitions. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Accept that most of first drafts don’t pass. Editing is a skill a writer must possess. Thus, one should edit one’s own work. Before accepting editing jobs from other writers, learn to edit yourself without mercy. As experts say, majority of writing is rewriting. Having the cold eye of an editor enables a writer to work with more accuracy and less nonsense. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Dark origins of popular nursery rhymes

People often recall nursery rhymes from their childhood. These are often lively limericks that tell of a simple tale using fantastic elements and scenarios. What preschool teachers don’t tell children are the dark origins of these nursery rhymes. A lot of traditional nursery rhymes were written in times of great strife and were told with the sole purpose of instilling lessons to children. Here are some dark origins of popular nursery rhymes. John Eilermann St. Louis .

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Jack and Jill was about a royal beheading

Written in 1765, Jack and Jill was initially written as an account of King Charles I’s attempt at a tax on liquid measures. But 30 years later, the song takes a new meaning as the historical beheading of France’s Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette for the crime of treason. John Eilermann St. Louis.

London Bridge was built on blood

There are several theories when it comes to the rhyme London Bridge. Some of them pertain to how Viking attacks destroyed the bridge. But an even more harrowing theory claims that child sacrifices were made during the construction of the bridge to keep it upright. The belief was that the sacrificed children would help watch over the bridge and maintain its sturdiness. John Eilermann St. Louis .

Three blind mice were about a conspiracy to overthrow a monarchy

There were a lot of songs dedicated to the Queen of England Mary I, also known as Bloody Mary One limerick that survived came to be Three Blind Mice. Experts believe the song alluded to protestant bishops Hugh Latimer, Nicholas Radley, and The Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Cranmer. They attempted to overthrow the queen and were burned at the stake for heresy. Critics claim that they were blinded by their titles and led them to believe that they could remove the queen from her throne. John Eilermann St. Louis .

Improve reading speed with these techniques

John Eilermann St. Louis. Choosing a college major or deciding on a career path can be unnerving. In making a choice, it's important to consider one's skills and passions. Check out these career options for those who enjoy the company of books and understand the value of the written word. English Literature John Eilermann St. Louis. There are many things one can do with an English Lit degree. They can go into teaching, creative writing, publishing, and even law. One's love for reading will surely be encouraged here as students will get the chance to read and examine essential and contemporary works that have shaped literature.

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Creative Writing


Most readers also enjoy sharing their thoughts through writing. For those who want to make a career out of being a writer, this is the perfect opportunity for them to keep reading while they develop their skills. Choosing this path will also allow them to study under the mentorship of published writers who can help them get their start in the industry. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Linguistics

Those who love reading can also be good at learning languages. Linguistics also involves the structures and other aspects involving language, such as societal and psychological factors. Avid readers will surely enjoy going beyond the literal layer of language. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Journalism

This is another career that avid readers can pursue. At the heart of good journalism is captivating storytelling, something that avid readers have encountered many times. Voracious readers might have a gift for gathering and publishing vital information on relevant events that will benefit the public.

Improve reading speed with these techniques

John Eilermann St. Louis. Choosing a college major or deciding on a career path can be unnerving. In making a choice, it's important to consider one's skills and passions. Check out these career options for those who enjoy the company of books and understand the value of the written word.

Image source: Pexels.com

Image source: Pexels.com 

English Literature

John Eilermann St. Louis. There are many things one can do with an English Lit degree. They can go into teaching, creative writing, publishing, and even law. One's love for reading will surely be encouraged here as students will get the chance to read and examine essential and contemporary works that have shaped literature.

Creative Writing

Most readers also enjoy sharing their thoughts through writing. For those who want to make a career out of being a writer, this is the perfect opportunity for them to keep reading while they develop their skills. Choosing this path will also allow them to study under the mentorship of published writers who can help them get their start in the industry. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Linguistics

Those who love reading can also be good at learning languages. Linguistics also involves the structures and other aspects involving language, such as societal and psychological factors. Avid readers will surely enjoy going beyond the literal layer of language. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Journalism

This is another career that avid readers can pursue. At the heart of good journalism is captivating storytelling, something that avid readers have encountered many times. Voracious readers might have a gift for gathering and publishing vital information on relevant events that will benefit the public.

Five ways busy people find time to read

John Eilermann St. Louis. Many of the busiest and most successful individuals consider reading as one of their favorite things to learn and unwind. Reading helps develop creativity, understanding complex ideas, and encourages problem-solving. Whether one does it to relax or to stimulate the brain, reading will always be beneficial.

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One way to be intentional about reading is to set a goal per reading session. This builds the habit of reading and challenges one to do more each time they read. Think of reading as a muscle in the body that one has to train for it to get stronger and better. Read more than one book at a time. A person’s reading appetite may be different from day-to-day. For long flights, grab a book that’s a bit challenging. Waiting at the doctor’s clinic may require a book that’s easy to read. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Speed reading is perfect for individuals who are always on-the-go. Although it takes a lot of practice to remember and comprehend what’s being read. Read across all devices. Choose to consume information through reading. Get the latest news from trusted news sites and catch lifestyle articles online. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Read before hitting the sack and have books and a lamp by the bedside. Many people would say reading makes them fall asleep faster. However, it’s best to read a physical book than read from a device to help with sleeping, as devices have a blue light that tricks the brain into thinking it’s still daytime. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Three practical ways to read more books

John Eilermann St. Louis. Reading is a great way to sharpen the mind. Whether it's fiction, nonfiction, or poetry, immersing in literature facilitates learning. Reading can also provide entertainment with narratives that genuinely connect with one's humanity. Here are some tips that can motivate a person to finish more books.

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Set aside time for reading
John Eilermann St. Louis. For many people, if it's not part of their schedule, it doesn't matter. Setting aside at least half an hour for reading will help a person focus and understand the content. Making reading part of the day can help build the habit. For those who are on their way to becoming regular readers, setting aside some time will help them finish the books on their list.

Consume books in different formats
John Eilermann St. Louis. These days, aside from print, books can come in the form of audiobooks and e-books. Those who want to read more books in a given time will find audiobooks and e-books a convenient solution. Some listen to audiobooks during their commute or while driving. Others have copies of their e-books on their gadgets that they can easily pick-up during their downtime. If print books are too inconvenient to carry, there are other options people can consume.

Have a list

John Eilermann St. Louis. The list can have 10 or a hundred books in it. What's important is the person finds the books interesting enough to spend hours on. Visiting bookshops, asking recommendations from friends, or reading reviews from trusted sources can help in curating this list. In this day and age, one doesn't have to spend too much money on a book. Having a library membership, buying e-book versions, borrowing copies from friends, and other options will help a person read the books on their list without overspending. With these options, they can proceed to the next great read without waiting too long. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Can love for reading make a person a better writer?

It is no secret that those who love to read can explain their thoughts well through writing. However, over the past decade, children have become more inclined to use gadgets, getting into gaming, and forsaking reading. While parents can argue that gaming apps can promote reading, nothing can really beat some good old-fashioned D.E.A.R. Time. John Eilermann St. Louis.

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Children and adults must redevelop a love for reading, as this skill improves other skills such as writing and comprehension. Those who have an appreciation for reading may find writing as second nature. In reading, one learns how to comprehend the subject matter and retain the material read. Over time, one’s understanding and memory are improved through habitual reading. John Eilermann St. Louis.

While there is no better way to get good at writing than to actually write, reading exposes one to various writing styles, other voices, and different genres and forms of writing. Reading reminds a writer that there is always room for improvement. Whether good or bad material, reading encourages one to keep writing and keep moving forward with their own development. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Habitual and intentional reading makes way for one to become a better writer and linguist. As another form of reading is reading aloud, people who are fluent in more than one language can give credit to reading and listening as their ways of learning a new language quickly and effectively. There’s no denying that success in writing comes from the love for reading. John Eilermann St. Louis.

What is the importance of studying literary theories?

Importance of literary theories -- John Eilermann St. Louis

When studying literature, whether it be fiction, poetry, or even essays, it is not enough to simply look at the work alone. In certain classes like comparative literature, knowledge in literary theories can make readings and discussions a lot more interesting. Literary theories provide a conceptual framework to view certain pieces of literature.

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John Eilermann St. Louis. One good example of literary theory is formalism for poetry. Formalism reviews the structural purpose of texts as separate entities apart from the writer who made the text. This literary theory is most known for championing the objective correlative. Objective correlative can be deduced as the author’s intention of creating emotions through imagery, linked together to form a central metaphor or image.

John Eilermann St. Louis. There are dozens of literary theories in the world of literature with even more interpretations from critics and writers. With the framework they provide, readers and other authors can read pieces of literature differently. For example, a reader can employ formalism and Russian formalism to a specific poem and have widely different interpretations for each run.

While literary theories can help readers interpret and better understand pieces of literature, it also gives incredible amounts of insight when it comes to the form and function of literature. Readers are often surprised how schools of thought like romanticism still resonate in today’s works, as well as how today’s literary masterpieces can still be read through the literary framework of theories created decades ago. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Improve reading habit with these techniques

More books, please -- John Eilermann St. Louis

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For people who want to write more, one advice they would often get is for them to read more. Reading, after all, not only improves one’s language and grammar but can also boost imagination, which is a crucial part of writing. And while it is alright to take a break from reading occasionally, neglecting the habit can be costly for writers.

For writers who want to boost their reading habits, here are three techniques that can help them devour more books. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Set a reading goal: A good start in the quest to read more is to set a goal. An example of a goal is reading a genre outside one’s comfort zone. Or perhaps make a monthly list of books to read.

For those who want to be reminded of their goal and keep track of their progress, Goodreads is a good platform to use. Goodreads also offers recommendations and reviews. John Eilermann St. Louis. .


Try audiobooks and e-books: While nothing beats the tactile sensation of holding a book and curling up in a comfy seat, for some people, e-books are the way to go. Others meanwhile enjoy listening to audiobooks while driving. For those who are not into taking their books outside of their homes for reading, they can download e-book and audiobook apps that can help them finish some reading.
Read and enjoy: It is important to remember that when reading, do so not to impress others. One may just end up stress even after fulfilling their reading goals if their intention is to only impress others. One needs to pick a book they genuinely like to make it easier for them to keep on reading. John Eilermann St. Louis.

The importance of building a large vocabulary

The power of words -- John Eilermann St. Louis

Some people think that having a large vocabulary isn’t going to help them with anything. The truth is, vocabulary is often an overlooked area of learning, especially when studying a new language. But building a large vocabulary is essential to being an effective communicator. Without this arsenal, success in school and work is almost impossible.

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John Eilermann St. Louis. Many people can attest that words can definitely push one toward career success. Most learners carry the ultimate goal of studying to communicate in other languages. A large vocabulary is integral to having good grammar. Tourists often travel with a dictionary in hand to effectively convey their message to locals. Excellent communicators note that little can be conveyed without grammar, and nothing can be expressed without vocabulary.

It is true that the more words a person know, the easier it is for them to learn skills and languages. Vocabulary is best developed through intentional and focused study. The more common way of picking new words that build one’s vocabulary is through secondary listening, reading, and using context to decipher the meaning. John Eilermann St. Louis.

People should be aware that improving their vocabulary results in an improvement in their ability to learn. A learner’s focused effort in learning new words will help them become efficient in developing new skills. One good way of tracking one’s progress is by using a vocabulary journal and incorporating new words learned in daily conversations, using proper grammar. John Eilermann St. Louis.

The basics of writing an effective essay

Every student will be asked to write an essay about either personal topics or academic ones. But regardless of the topic, essay writing is one of the very first literary pieces students make in their academic lives. However, teaching students how to write effective essays isn’t a topic that is covered all too often. According to comparative literature student John Eilermann, students are often taught basics like the parts of an essay but not much about what makes an essay effective. Here are some tips to help you write a more effective essay.

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The first thing you’d want to do when writing an essay is to form an outline. This isn’t the same as the parts of the essay which includes the introduction all the way down to the conclusion. The outline lets you arrange the thoughts and ideas you want to add in your essay. This helps the piece flow better from one paragraph to another. If you don’t plan your essay’s outline, the end result could be filled with abrupt jumps from one thought to another.

It also helps to write your thesis statement separately from your essay. This statement can guide you at any point of your writing. The thesis statement is the main thought you want to explore. With a clear thesis statement, it’s easy to notice if you are veering away from the topic.

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Lastly, knowing the conclusion of your essay is just as important as the thesis statement. From here, you can build the entire argument and make it fit to the conclusion. According to John Eilermann, the conclusion should also reward the reader in terms of informing or evoking emotions.

John Eilermann is from St. Louis, Missouri. The vastness of the field he is taking up keeps him busy, which he really doesn’t mind. He believes that comparative literature will offer him an abundance of opportunities once he graduate. For more reads on literature, visit this website.

The four seasons explained by Greek mythology

There are a lot of mythological tales told in history that depicts or tells the tale behind natural occurrences. At the time, what science couldn’t explain, the supernatural supplemented explanations. A good example of this was the Greek mythology behind the four seasons winter, spring, summer, and fall. According to literature student John Eilermann, Greek literature provides an astoundingly detailed story as to why these seasons occur.

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The story begins with Demeter, the goddess farming and watcher of the harvest. It is believed that spring marks the time when the goddess visits the earth to look upon the progress of the crops. In all the tales, she always brings her daughter Persephone with her during her visits. This caught the eye of Hades, god of the underworld, who fell in love with Persephone.

One day, while Persephone was picking flowers, Hades opened the earth and dragged her toward his realm. Later on, Zeus would order Hades to release her but Hades had already fed her a pomegranate, a fruit that would bound her to Hades.

Struck with grief, Demeter locked herself in her room for 12 months. This caused mass spread famine across the lands. To resolve the conflict among the gods, Zeus allowed Hades to have Persephone for 3 months of the year and that she would return to Demeter for the remaining 9 months.

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According to John Eilermann, the 3 months of winter signifies Demeter waiting for her daughter to return, meaning crops were left to shrivel and farmlands going to waste. The remaining 9 months are then characterized by spring, summer, and fall where crops are bountiful.

John Eilermann is currently in college pursuing a degree in Comparative Literature. The vastness of the field he is studying has kept him busy, and he really doesn’t mind it. He believes that his major will offers him an abundance of opportunities once he graduates. For more insightful reads on literature, visit this website.

Key tips on analyzing and critiquing poems

Analyzing poems can be a daunting activity for many a student, perhaps because a lot of them consider it cryptic and requires a need to get the so-called meaning. In this blog, Comparative Literature student John Eilermann from St. Louis offers some tips to better understand and critique this oft-elusive creature called poetry.

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Firstly, poems are rooted on heightened language. Part of how to best approach a poem is to understand that it always offers more than one layer or reading, and that to get its insight is not as important as getting the diction. It goes without saying that poems detest cliché, as the labor of the poet is to say things in a new way, often indirectly, often obliquely. In other words, no poem just reads like an essay. Note the opposite of the poetic is the rhetorical.

Appreciating poetry and having the faculty to comment on it may rest on first looking at the title and how it ties up to the body’s narrative. Is the poem’s story clear? Does the title offer a clue to its intent? If not, then maybe a good approach is to study whether its appeal is rooted in nuances with language use or noticing the images the render scenes. You may try paraphrasing it first.

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A lot of beginning readers get stumped by poems because they feel a pressure to comprehend immediately what it’s trying to say. This approach will just lead to guessing games. No interpretation is necessarily wrong, so long as its guided by what the poem implies. Meaning can wait; analyzing begins with reading the lines before resorting to the so-called expression of reading between the lines. 

Certain techniques will begin to open up if you prioritize diction and syntax. Focus on linguistic and figure-of-speech techniques employed. Insight can rest anywhere in the poem, not necessarily in the ending alone. Again, this is because a poem does not often offer a lesson, but simply comment on the human condition. In the end, meaningfulness is more important than meaning, adds John Eilermann.

John Eilermann is based in St. Louis, Missouri. He is currently pursuing a degree in Comparative Literature. The cross-disciplinary approach of the program he’s in enables students to take courses in philosophy, politics, culture, and the intersection of literature with history. Visit this blog for more musings and insights on poems and literature in general.