Understanding Poetry

Reading poetry was once viewed as a religious act, poets were perceived with the same respect as magicians and priests. It was also believed that poems could only be written with supernatural assistance. (Literature p.739) Today, poetry is often overlooked or not enjoyed to the fullest extent due to the level of difficulty understanding it. Poetry is not as important to today's society, and therefore the skills necessary to gain the fullest benefit from it are not taught, as they should be. A single poem can give different meanings to different readers; it can reach deep within the reader and give intrinsic values, and can convey emotions not seen on the surface. Therefore it is a very important, fulfilling part of literature that we need to gain the skills necessary to appreciate it, as we should.…