This is an analysis of the poem A Choice that begins with:

They please me not-- these solemn songs
That hint of sermons covered up. ...

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: ababaaXb
  • Stanza lengths (in strings): 8,
  • Closest metre: iambic tetrameter
  • Сlosest rhyme: limerick
  • Сlosest stanza type: tercets
  • Guessed form: unknown form
  • Metre: 11111101 11010101 101011101 10010111 11010111 01000101 1010100101 101100101
  • Amount of stanzas: 1
  • Average number of symbols per stanza: 284
  • Average number of words per stanza: 55
  • Amount of lines: 8
  • Average number of symbols per line: 35 (medium-length strings)
  • Average number of words per line: 7
  • 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 A Choice;
  • central theme;
  • idea of the verse;
  • history of its creation;
  • critical appreciation.

Good luck in your poetry interpretation practice!

More information about poems by Paul Laurence Dunbar