Start with Background Information

Find general, background information on your poet and poem. Try using:

1. Poetry for Students, REF 808.81 P745s, Vols. 1-29
   
   
2. Poetry Criticism, REF 809.1 P745c, Vols. 1-80

There is an online index so you do not have to search a gazillion volumes looking for your poet/poem. Use Title search to find your poem; Use Author search to find your poet.

You will find biographical information about your poet, themes used, context, and interpretations by other people.

Use the information that you find in these reference books to find additional books and articles on your poet/poem.

To cite the excerpts that you find in Poetry Criticism, use these examples.