This document provides instructions for using the TPCASTT method to analyze a poem. TPCASTT is an acronym that represents the steps of the analysis: T-Title, P-Paraphrase, C-Connotation, A-Attitude, S-Shift, T-Theme. It guides the reader through analyzing the poem's title, writing a paraphrase, identifying literary devices, determining the speaker's attitude, noting any shifts, and deriving the overall theme. The document includes example poetry vocabulary and recommends websites for identifying common themes.

1. Poetry Analysis Using TPCASTT English I

2. Getting Started… This is a process to help you organize your analysis of poetry. We have already learned the vocabulary; now it’s time to put it into practice! Together, we are going to analyze “American Hero” using TPCASTT. You have a note sheet that looks like this…

3. T is for TITLE Analyze the title first by pondering it. What do you predict this poem will be about? Write down your predictions. We will reflect on the title again after we have read the poem.

4. READ THE POEM!!!!

5. P is for PARAPHRASE Paraphrasing is putting something in your own words. After reading the poem, rewrite it in your own words. This may be three sentences or a page, depending on the particular poem.

6. C is for CONNOTATION Analyze the figures of speech and sound effects of the poem. These are the poetry vocabulary we have already studied. These elements add to the meaning. simile direct metaphor personification HYPERBOLE meter onomatopoeia RHYME alliteration ASSONANCE apostrophe diction

7. A is for ATTITUDE Tone is the attitude of the speaker toward the subject of the poem. How does the speaker feel about the subject matter. How do you know?

8. S is for SHIFT Note transitions in the poem. Consider shifts in subject matter, attitude, or mood. What effect do these shifts have on the poem?

9. T is for TITLE (again) At this time, you should reconsider the title on an interpretive level. Are there any new insights on meaning or significance of title? Were you right in your predictions? What other meanings might the title have in light of your analysis?

10. T is for THEME As you already know, theme is the general insight into life conveyed by the author through his/her work. It does not make a judgment. example: “Don’t do drugs” is not a theme. It merely states something that is true to life and the human condition.

11. How do I find the THEME ? Look at the other parts of TPCASTT. What insight are all of these working together to convey? What is the poet trying to say about life? For a list of themes, go to the following websites: http://www.sjsu.edu/faculty/patten/theme.html http://www.humanitiesweb.org/human.php?s=l&p=g&a=i

12. Websites Consulted http://skyview.vansd.org/bquestad/cw/poetry/TPCASTT%20Template.htm images.schoolinsites.com/.../BakerHigh/Uploads/Presentations/Poetry%20Analysis%20Using%20 TPCASTT knott.ppt staff.fcps.net/jweaton/ TPCASTT .pps