T.P.C.A.S.T.T.
A tool for analyzing poetry
Title |
Before you even think about reading the poem or trying to analyze it, speculate on what you think the poem might be about based on the title. A lot of times poets conceal meaning through clues in the title itself. Jot down what you think this poem will be about.
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Paraphrase |
The first step in analyzing a poem is to understand the literal meaning of the poem. One of the biggest problems that students have is jumping to conclusions before understanding what is taking place in the poem. When you paraphrase a poem, write in your own words (line by line!) exactly what happens in the poem. Look at the number of sentences in the poem- your paraphrase should have exactly the same number. This technique is especially helpful for poems written in earlier centuries. Sometimes I may allow you to summarize what happens in the poem. Make sure you know the difference between a paraphrase and a summary.
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Connotation |
Although this term usually refers solely to the emotional overtones of word choice, for this approach the term refers to any and all poetic devices, focusing on how such devices contribute to the meaning, the effect, or both in a poem. You may consider:
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Attitude |
Having examined the poem’s devices and clues closely, you are now ready to explore the multiple attitudes that may be present in the poem. Examine diction, images, and details that suggest the speaker’s attitude and contribute to your understanding of how the poet wants you to feel. You may refer to the list of words on tone that will help you. Remember that, usually, the tone or attitude cannot be described with a single word. Think complexity.
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Shifts |
Rarely does a poem begin and end the poetic experience in the same place. Like most of us, the poet’s understanding of an experience is a gradual realization, and the poem is a reflection of that understanding or insight. Watch for the following keys to shifts:
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Title |
Now look at the title again, this time on an interpretive level. What new insight does the title provide in your understanding of the poem?
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Theme |
What is poet saying about the human experience, motivation, or condition through this poem? What subject(s) does the poem address? What do you learn about those subjects? What idea does the poet want you to take away with you concerning these subjects? Remember that the theme of any work of literature is stated in a complete sentence.
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