This is an analysis of the poem 'If I Were Dead' that begins with:

'IF I were dead, you'd sometimes say, Poor Child!'
The dear lips quiver'd as they spake, ... full text

Elements of the verse: questions and answers

The information we provided is prepared by means of a special computer program. Use the criteria sheet to understand greatest poems or improve your poetry analysis essay.

  • Rhyme scheme:
  • Stanza lengths (in strings):
  • Closest metre:
  • Сlosest rhyme:
  • Сlosest stanza type:
  • Guessed form:
  • Metre:
  • Amount of stanzas: 1
  • Average number of symbols per stanza: 580
  • Average number of words per stanza: 110
  • Amount of lines: 16
  • Average number of symbols per line: 35 (medium-length strings)
  • Average number of words per line: 7
  • Mood of the speaker:

    There are many exclamation marks in the poem. The speaker is excited. He or she has strong feelings on the subject that is described in the poem.

  • The author used lexical repetitions to emphasize a significant image; poor, child, your, and are repeated.

If you write a school or university poetry essay, you should Include in your explanation of the poem:

  • summary of 'If I Were Dead';
  • central theme;
  • idea of the verse;
  • history of its creation;
  • critical appreciation.

Good luck in your poetry interpretation practice!

More information about poems by Coventry Patmore