7. Read the poem aloud, for a final synthetic appreciation.
All the previous investigations should fall into place, contributing their part to the effect and understanding of the whole. The poem should now, insofar as is possible, be yours!
Finally...
If you've done these steps, you can go ahead and read literary criticism without getting confused. Like Archimedes said, "Give me a place to stand..." From where you stand, you can read others' opinions, knowing that, whether they mirror yours or differ, you know something, personally, about this poem.
"Do you get it now?" 