This is an analysis of the poem Hymn Xxx: Where Shall My Wondering Soul Begin? that begins with:

Where shall my wondering soul begin?
How shall I all to heaven aspire?... 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: abaXcc dedeaa fafagg hbhbii dcdcff IaiaiIXeeeeaa
  • Stanza lengths (in strings): 6,6,6,6,6,13,
  • Closest metre: iambic tetrameter
  • Сlosest rhyme: alternate rhyme
  • Сlosest stanza type: tercets
  • Guessed form: ballad stanza
  • Metre: 111100101 111101001 01010111 011001010 11110101 111110001 11110101 10110111 11010111 11010101 111111010 100100010 11111101 110010101 10000101 11010101 010100001 11000111 11010101 11110101 11110101 01110111 10010101 10010101 11010111 10110011 110100111 10010101 11010101 11010111 11110101 10011101 01011111 01011110 11110111 11110101 11010101 01000101 101100101 11010101 011111010 100111010
  • Amount of stanzas: 7
  • Average number of symbols per stanza: 212
  • Average number of words per stanza: 39
  • Amount of lines: 42
  • Average number of symbols per line: 35 (medium-length strings)
  • Average number of words per line: 6
  • Mood of the speaker:

    The speaker asks many questions. Perhaps, he or she is in confusion.

  • The author used lexical repetitions to emphasize a significant image; should, of, you, for are repeated.

    The poet used anaphora at the beginnings of some neighboring lines. The same words a, jesus, his are repeated.

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

  • summary of Hymn Xxx: Where Shall My Wondering Soul Begin?;
  • central theme;
  • idea of the verse;
  • history of its creation;
  • critical appreciation.

Good luck in your poetry interpretation practice!

More information about poems by John Wesley