I’m not really good at reading poems and I need help on these two poems “Linage” by Margaret Walker and “The Courage My Mother Had” by Edna St. Vincent Millay I constantly read the poems but still don’t understand what their saying I know they where slaves but what are they trying to say please help if you can

Poetry is my favorite thing because the poet must say in very few words what some one you write out in prose. If there is a rhyme scheme it makes it even more difficult. Poetry should really be read outloud; have you tried that?

Poetry takes your full attention and here is a Website that explains "How to read Poetry" here:

www.englishcompanion.com/pdfDocs/howtoreadpoem.pdf -

Please study that carefully and then ask any questions you might have. I'll be back to see how you have done.

Sra

http://www.jiskha.com/display.cgi?id=1232922470

http://ibmunson6.edublogs.org/2011/02/07/the-courage-that-my-mother-had/

Understanding poems can sometimes be a challenge, but with the right approach, you can unravel the meaning behind them. Let's take a look at the two poems you mentioned, "Lineage" by Margaret Walker and "The Courage My Mother Had" by Edna St. Vincent Millay.

To begin, it's important to read the poems carefully, paying attention to both the literal meaning of the words and the emotions they convey. Here are some steps you can follow to analyze and interpret these poems:

1. Read the poems multiple times: Reading the poems more than once will help you gain a deeper understanding. Pay close attention to the structure, language, imagery, and symbolism used in the poems.

2. Identify the main theme: Try to determine what the main subject or theme of each poem is. In "Lineage," for example, the main theme revolves around the speaker's connection to her ancestors, particularly her African heritage. In "The Courage My Mother Had," the theme centers around the speaker's admiration for her mother's strength and resilience.

3. Examine the poetic devices: Look for any poetic devices, such as metaphors, similes, alliteration, or repetition, which help enhance the meaning and convey the poet's message. Pay attention to how these devices contribute to the overall tone and mood of the poems.

4. Analyze the imagery: Consider the visual images and sensory experiences depicted in the poems. Focus on the details and think about why the poet chose certain images. Imagery often adds layers of meaning and emotion to a poem.

5. Consider the historical context: Knowing the historical context of a poem can provide valuable insight. Given that you mention both poems refer to slavery, it is crucial to understand the historical background of this dark period in American history and how it influenced the experiences and perspectives of those affected.

6. Consult literary analysis resources: If you're still having trouble, reading literary analyses or critical interpretations of the poems can be helpful. These analyses can provide different insights and perspectives that might help you understand the poems better.

Remember, interpreting poems can be subjective, and different readers may have different interpretations. Read the poems with an open mind, trust your instincts, and explore your own personal connections to the poems.