This is an analysis of the poem For Selma that begins with:

In places like
Selma, Alabama,...

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: AXBAAAABACACBAA
  • Stanza lengths (in strings): 15,
  • Closest metre: iambic trimeter
  • Сlosest rhyme: no rhyme
  • Сlosest stanza type: sonnet
  • Guessed form: rondeau
  • Metre: 0101 101010 11 0101 011111 0101 011111 11 0101 10110 0101 10110 11 0101 011111
  • Amount of stanzas: 1
  • Average number of symbols per stanza: 243
  • Average number of words per stanza: 44
  • Amount of lines: 15
  • Average number of symbols per line: 15 (very short strings)
  • Average number of words per line: 3
  • Mood of the speaker:

    There are many three dots in the poem. Readers should think of the author's idea together with the pensive speaker.

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

  • summary of For Selma;
  • central theme;
  • idea of the verse;
  • history of its creation;
  • critical appreciation.

Good luck in your poetry interpretation practice!

More information about poems by Langston Hughes