The chapter can be divided into three main parts:
The Affliction and Suffering of the People (Lamentations 5:1–13)
The Loss of Joy and Hope (Lamentations 5:14–18)
An Appeal for the Lord's Restored Favour (Lamentations 5:19–22).1
Another suggestion is as follows:
A. Plea for Attention (Lamentations 5:1–18)
Petition (Lamentations 5:1)
Economic and Political Destitution (Lamentations 5:2–10)
Personal Humiliation and Abuse (Lamentations 5:11–14)
Hopeless Desolation (Lamentations 5:15–18)
B. Plea for Restoration (Lamentations 5:19–22).2
1 Souviens-toi, Eternel, de ce qui nous est arrivé! Regarde, vois notre opprobre!