This is an analysis of the poem Problems that begins with:

2 and 2 are 4.
4 and 4 are 8....

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: XX XX aa XX
  • Stanza lengths (in strings): 2,2,2,2,
  • Closest metre: iambic trimeter
  • Сlosest rhyme: no rhyme
  • Сlosest stanza type: tercets
  • Guessed form: unknown form
  • Metre: 11111 11111 11110 001111 11100 01111 1001111 01011
  • Amount of stanzas: 4
  • Average number of symbols per stanza: 37
  • Average number of words per stanza: 10
  • Amount of lines: 8
  • Average number of symbols per line: 18 (very short strings)
  • Average number of words per line: 5
  • 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; 4 is repeated.

    The literary device anadiplosis is detected in two or more neighboring lines. The word/phrase 4 connects the lines.

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

  • summary of Problems;
  • 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