TPCASTT Poetry Analysis Technique

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TPCASTTPoetry Analysis Technique
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What is TPCASTT?

• TPCASTT is an acronym of steps used to analyze
  poetry. The results of TPCASTT can be used to
  write an essay.
• There are seven steps in the TPCASTT process.

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T -- Title

• Ponder the title before reading the poem
• Look at the title and attempt to predict what the
  poem will be about.
• Using the sample in front of you, lets do this
  step now.

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P -- Paraphrase

• Translate the poem into your own words
• Make sure you understand the literal plot of the
  poem.
• Write notes in the margin beside each major
  section of the poem so you can review these later

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C -- Connotation

• Contemplate the poem for meaning beyond the
  literal level
• Look for any and all poetic devices and try to
  see how those devices contribute to the meaning,
  the effect or both of the poem
• Metaphor, simile, personification, alliteration,
  onomatopoeia, rhythm, rhyme, symbolism, and
  diction
• Analyze your sample poem now. Circle these
  devices and make margin notes about their
  meanings.

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A -- Attitude

• Observe both the speakers attitude and the
  poets attitude (this may or may not be clear)
• This, of course, is TONE.
• Remember that these attitudes will probably shift
  or be mixed in the poem. Label all you see,
  especially if you see a shift.

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S -- Shift

• Note shifts in speakers or attitudes
• See your handout for more information about
  indicators of shifts
• Are there any shifts in the poem before you?

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T Title (again)

• Re-examine the title. Try to see how the title
  fits with the work as a whole.
• This time, you are interpreting the title, not
  just predicting or looking at it literally.

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T -- Theme

• Determine what the poet is saying
• THIS IS NOT THE MORAL OF THE POEM
• Identify the theme by recognizing the human
  experience, motivation, or condition of the poem.
• Follow the steps on your handout to help you come
  to theme.
• Notice that theme is not a trite parable or axiom
• One work may have several possible themes

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Weaving it together

• Now that you have an understanding of the basics
  of the poem, you are ready to pick and choose
  pieces of the TPCASTT process to answer whatever
  the writing prompt has asked you to address.
• You may not need everything youve labeled.

Created by Shauna Rynn Waters