When interpreting the poem, try to capture the specificity of what THIS poem is saying that is different from what other poems on the same subject have said.

Do not simply paraphrase the poem’s literal meaning.  Your goal, instead, is to apply the literary terminology we’ve been reading about, and discussing, to one specific poem.  For example, you might discuss how the poem’s sound, images, metaphors, tone, and form all work together to create an overall theme.

When interpreting the poem, try to capture the specificity of what THIS poem is saying that is different from what other poems on the same subject have said.  For example, don’t just say, “this poem is about someone who is in love.”  This could apply to millions of poems.  What makes this one unique?