Composition

Poem analysis requires you not only to focus on the inner composition (the ideas conveyed) but also on the outer composition or the form of the text (stanzas, verses, graphical expression), as they are equally important for understanding lyrical texts like “Tich Miller” by Wendy Cope.

Outer composition

“Tich Miller” is a seven-stanza poem, out of which the first six are three-line stanzas (or tercets) while the last is a one-line stanza.

The poem is written in free verse, which means the author does not employ any rhyme scheme. Also, the rhythm is not intentionally constructed, but simply follows the natural way words are stressed in regular speech.

However, the poet employs two lyrical techniques which give the poem a certain musicality and correct the rhythm occasionally: alliteration and enjambment.

Alliteration refers to the use of the same letters repetitively in close by words, which generally gives a certain sound frame to poems...