Here are two notions of analysis it's good to keep in mind: “Analysis is the method we commonly use in thinking about complex matters and in attempting to account for our responses” (57) and "Critical thinking [like analysis] is a matter of separating the whole into parts, in order to see relationships” (Literature for Analysis 179). The question is, how do we do this? One way is listed here, the DROP method:

Details: Look for exact details in the text—identical or nearly identical words or details and list them.

Repetitions: Locate and list repetition of the same kind of detail or word (for example, war, struggle, conflict and strife are similar words). Similarities in style or structure can also be important, such as the author using four lines per stanza or beginning each paragraph with a question. Noting repetitions reveals emphasis.

Oppositions: Locate and list details or words or forms that suggest binary oppositions or things that contrast with one another. Look for the same sorts of things you looked at/for with the use of repetition.

Patterns of Significance: Choose what you think to be significant patterns of repetitions and/or binary oppositions and rank them in order of importance.

Having completed these steps, write a paragraph that explains your choice of one repetition or opposition (X), explain/describe what it does within the poem, and then explain what it means, why it is perhaps among the most significant elements of the poem or just worth examination. Do the above for each of the six assigned poems and respond to at least three journals from your classmates.