This is an analysis of the poem The Past Is The Present that begins with:

If external action is effete
and rhyme is outmoded,...

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: XXXaabbbX
  • Stanza lengths (in strings): 9,
  • Closest metre: iambic pentameter
  • Сlosest rhyme: no rhyme
  • Сlosest stanza type: tercets
  • Guessed form: blank verse
  • Metre: 001010001 110110 110101 1001100101 01011001001 111111010011 10010001 001010100010001 001010100001001
  • Amount of stanzas: 1
  • Average number of symbols per stanza: 344
  • Average number of words per stanza: 57
  • Amount of lines: 9
  • Average number of symbols per line: 37 (medium-length strings)
  • Average number of words per line: 6
  • Mood of the speaker:

    The punctuation marks are various. Neither mark predominates.

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

  • summary of The Past Is The Present;
  • central theme;
  • idea of the verse;
  • history of its creation;
  • critical appreciation.

Good luck in your poetry interpretation practice!

More information about poems by Marianne Moore