TP-CASTT

Outcomes You will learn to use TPCASTT to analyze poetry in order to understand a poem’s meaning and the possible themes.

First, let’s review some vocabulary: literal = means “exact” or “not exaggerated”. Literal language is language that means exactly what is said. Most of the time, we use literal language. figurative = the opposite of literal language. Figurative language is language that means more than what it says on the surface. Often used by poets and other writers. 3

Review vocabulary, continued: denotation = the dictionary definition of a word or phrase connotation = a meaning suggested by a word or phrase, in addition to its exact (denotative) meaning; can be the emotional feelings associated with the word denotativeconnotative Think of the denotative and connotative meanings of words such as home, mother, love, peace, friend, etc. 4

TP-CASTT Title Paraphrase Connotation Attitude Shifts Title Theme

Title Ponder title before reading Predict what the poem is about

Paraphrase Literal meaning “What’s going on?” Restate poem in own words

Connotation (Poetic Devices) Figurative Language Simile Metaphor Personification Symbolism Point of view Sound Devices

Attitude (Tone) Speaker’s attitude toward the subject

Shifts (Changes) Key words (but, yet, however, although) Punctuation Stanza divisions Irony Changes in diction

Title (again) Interpretive level Revisit title

Theme What the poet is saying about the subject Complete sentence

Let’s Try it Write the following title and author on your TP-CASTT handout: “Oranges” Gary Soto

Title: What predictions can you make about the poem from the title?

The poem might be about picking or eating an orange. Maybe the author is sharing a memory he has about getting an orange. (Now read the poem)

Paraphrase: What is the literal meaning? In your own words summarize what’s happening.

It was December and the speaker picked up a girl he liked and walked with her to the store. When they got to the store he told the girl to pick something she liked. The speaker only had a nickel and the candy she picked cost a dime. The speaker was able to pay with an orange and his nickel.

Connotation: What might the poem mean beyond the literal level? Find examples of imagery, metaphors, similes, personification, symbolism, idioms, hyperbole, alliteration, rhyme scheme, rhythm, etc. and think about their possible connotative meanings. Consider the emotional feelings that the words may give the reader.

Connotation: What might the poem mean beyond the literal level? Find examples of imagery, metaphors, similes, personification, symbolism, idioms, hyperbole, alliteration, rhyme scheme, rhythm, etc. and think about their possible connotative meanings. Consider the emotional feelings that the words may give the reader. Similes- “Tiered like bleachers” and “Fog hanging like old coats” Metaphor- “I peeled my orange/ That was so bright/ Someone might have thought/ I was making a fire in my hands” Imagery- “Frost cracking / Beneath my steps, my breath / Before me, then gone”

Connotation: What might the poem mean beyond the literal level? Find examples of imagery, metaphors, similes, personification, symbolism, idioms, hyperbole, alliteration, rhyme scheme, rhythm, etc. and think about their possible connotative meanings. Consider the emotional feelings that the words may give the reader. Imagery- “Frost cracking / Beneath my steps, my breath / Before me, then gone” “Porch light burned yellow / Night and day” “I peeled my orange / That was so bright against / The gray of December” Symbol- Oranges represents possibilities, young love

Attitude: What is the speaker’s attitude toward the subject?

He is nervous and unsure.

Shift: Is there a shift (a change) in the tone or speaker of the poem? Where does the shift happen in the poem? What does it shift from and to? The speakers attitude changes at the end. He becomes more confident. You can see where the shift takes place the space before the word outside.

Title Revisited: Look at the title again. Have your original ideas about the poem changed? How? What do you think the title means now?

Look at the title again. now? I think the title “Oranges” represent an important event in the poet’s life. In this case his first date. The orange played a significant part in making the date a success.

Theme: What is the overall theme of the poem? What insight, understanding, lesson, or truth are we supposed to have after reading this poem? You sometimes have to make sacrifices to get what you want.

Why? Tell your partner what each letter in TPCASTT stands for. Summarize paraphrase. Summarize connotation. How has learning TPCASTT helped you?

Doing a TP-CASTT poem analysis will help you turn your observations into meaningful discussions or writing. You have noticed the details - now can put them together so you can understand and talk about the poem.

Journal 3/1/16 “Oranges” What is the theme of “Oranges” and how does Soto develop that theme? Be sure to use evidence from the poem to support your answer.