Theme Identifying theme of a poem What is

Theme Identifying theme of a poem

What is theme of a poem? Theme is an element of a story or poem that binds together various other essential elements of a narrative or poem. It is a truth that exhibits universality and stands true for people of all cultures. Theme gives readers better understanding of the main character’s conflicts, experiences, discoveries and emotions as they are derived from them. Through themes, a writer tries to give his readers an insight into how the world works or how he or she views human life. It is not just about the characters or the story itself. The idea must be able to be applied to anyone. The theme is crafted and developed throughout the poem and can be identified by analysing the title, imagery, diction and the rhythm of the poem. Language can also evoke the tone and mood of the poem. The theme is rarely stated explicitly, and it is not a moral but an important idea that is prevalent throughout the poem. It is important to note that a poem may contain several controlling ideas or themes.

Identifying theme of a poem Step 1: Examine the Title Often, the title can point you in the right direction when you're trying to understand the meaning of a text. What does the title make you think the poem is about? Does it contain any key words that signal theme or meaning? Make note of them as you make your way through the poem.

Let’s look at the poem title “Dreaming Black Boy” What do you think the poem is about based on the title? -A black boy who is dreaming Does it contain any key words that signal theme or meaning? If yes which words hint at theme/s of the poem? -“Dreaming”: aspirations -“Black”: -“Boy”: dreams and discrimination, racism innocence, masculinity

Step 2: Read Slowly and Read Aloud Rushing through a poem just to get the meaning is one of the worst ways to read poetry. Often, poetry is not about primarily one main point; the meaning can be contained in the word choice, sounds and rhythm of a poem. Read your poem aloud several times and make note of your own experience. Does the poem seem to be harsh or soft? Eloquent or rough? Are there any dominant words or sounds throughout the poem? Make note of your reactions as you read. This can help you to identify the important aspects of the poem.

Let’s read the poem “Dreaming Black Boy” by James Berry I wish my teacher’s eyes wouldn’t go past me today. Wish he’d know it’s okay to hug me when I kick a goal. Wish I myself wouldn’t hold back when answer comes. I’m no woodchopper now like all ancestors. I wish I could be educated to the best of tune up, and earn good money and not sink to lick boots. I wish I could go on every crisscross way of the globe and no persons or powers or hotel keepers would make it a waste. I wish life wouldn’t spend me out opposing. Wish same way creation would have me stand it would have me stretch, and hold high, my voice Paul Robeson’s, my inside eye a sun. Nobody wants to say hello to nasty answers. I wish torch throwers of night would burn lights for decent times. Wish plotters in pyjamas would pray for themselves. Wish people wouldn’t talk as if I dropped from Mars. I wish only boys were scared behind bravados, for I could suffer a big lot. I wish nobody would want to earn the terrible burden I can suffer.

Step 3: Identify the Speaker One important key to understanding a poem is to find out who is speaking. Is the narrator using "I, " "you" or the third person? Does the speaker seem to be an individual person or another entity? If you can't identify the narrator specifically, at least notice whether the speaker seems to be directly addressing the audience versus telling a story about somebody else.

Identify the speaker in the poem “Dreaming Black Boy” by James Berry?

Step 4: Determine the Subjects Read through the poem and notice your first reaction. What seems to be the primary subject matter of the poem? What emotions are discussed? Is there a rhythm in the poem?

Determine the Subjects in the poem “Dreaming Black Boy” by James Berry? The poem might be seen as a wish list which draws attention to the areas in which this boy sees the need for change. The word wish is used twelve times (Repetition). There is no discernible rhythm which adds credence to the idea that this poem is a reflection of the frustration of the speaker. Emotions: Anxiety, frustration

Step 5: Identify the Types of Imagery and Figurative Devices Used Poems often contain imagery, which refers to concrete descriptions which may appeal to one or more of the five senses. Metaphor and simile, which refer to comparisons, are also common and are often used in conjunction with imagery. Both of these elements can help you to understand the meaning of the poem. For example, a poem that includes imagery of dying or decaying fruit versus a poem full of imagery of ripe, healthy fruit might indicate a theme of death and dying rather than a theme of life and happiness. In addition, in terms of metaphor and simile, a relationship compared to a freshly picked apple is very different from a relationship compared to a cut of bloody meat! Pay careful attention to what the author chooses to compare and the imagery used throughout the poem.

Identify the Types of Imagery and Figurative Devices Used in “Dreaming Black Boy” by James Berry

Analysis of “Dreaming Black Boy” by James Berry I wish my teacher’s eyes wouldn’t go past me today. Wish he’d know it’s okay to hug me when I kick a goal. Wish I myself wouldn’t hold back when answer comes. I’m no woodchopper now like all ancestors. I wish I could be educated to the best of tune up, and earn good money and not sink to lick boots. I wish I could go on every crisscross way of the globe and no persons or powers or hotel keepers would make it a waste. I wish life wouldn’t spend me out opposing. Wish same way creation would have me stand it would have me stretch, and hold high, my voice Paul Robeson’s, my inside eye a sun. Nobody wants to say hello to nasty answers. I wish torch throwers of night would burn lights for decent times. Wish plotters in pyjamas would pray for themselves. Wish people wouldn’t talk as if I dropped from Mars. I wish only boys were scared behind bravados, for I could suffer a big lot. I wish nobody would want to earn the terrible burden I can suffer.

Let us recap the step on identifying theme of a poem Step 1: Examine the Title Step 2: Read Slowly and Read Aloud Step 3: Identify the Speaker Step 4: Determine the Subjects Step 5: Identify the Types of Imagery and Figurative Devices Used Remember a theme needs to be a universal idea that applies to anyone. Do not include characters or parts of the plot in theme. Step 6: Determine theme/s of the poem

What are themes or central ideas in “Dreaming Black Boy” by James Berry 1. Discrimination/Racism 2. Isolation/ alienation 3. Dreams and aspirations vs. reality 4. Institutional prejudice/inequality/oppression vs. freedom and equality 5. Religion vs. hypocrisy

Remember: Poems don't always have only one identifiable meaning or theme. Poems may contain direct and implied or hidden meaning and may have several themes. Poems are often about sharing an experience, feeling or idea. The title of a poem occasionally hints at theme of the poem. Try to relax and enjoy the poem as a whole.