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Describing a poem

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Studying Poetry
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Abstract

In using the term ‘theme’ for the subject matter of a poem, we are reminded of a musical piece and particularly that a complex composition, in music (such as the classical sonata) as in poetry, may have sub-themes which complement, and even contradict, the principal subject. In our first encounter with a poem, we should endeavour to identify its principal theme.

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© 1997 Barry Spurr

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Spurr, B. (1997). Describing a poem. In: Studying Poetry. Palgrave, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-14557-7_2

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