Introduction to Poetry Analysis: PITT With Anne Sexton’s “Cinderella”

“I don’t get poems…” This is the most common complaint I get from both students and adults about poetry. So, I am going to walk you through a method of poetry analysis that will help you “get” poems. First, we will use our usual shared inquiry method of annotating. Then, we will use the PITT method.

What is the PITT method? It’s a way of looking at a poem that helps you infer it’s deeper meaning…

Step One: Paraphrase Put each stanza of the poem in your own words. If the poem is very short, then do each line.

Step Two: Images & Inferences Look at the imagery and figurative language you marked. What can you infer based on the images?

Step Three: Tone What is the speaker’s attitude in the poem? You look at a poem’s diction to determine it’s tone. Also, does the tone shift in the poem?

Step Four: Theme What does this poem say about its subject? About being human? Use your inferences and the tone to determine the theme.

“Cinderella” First Reading * Use a star for significant information, devices, and strategies you notice. ! Use an exclamation point to indicate what you feel strongly about. ? Use a question mark next for parts that are confusing or next to any information that you’d like to explore further.

Shared inquiry discussion Share with your partner what you marked in the poem. Then share with your whole group. Then each table will share one * noticing, ? Question and ! Thing they felt strongly about.

“Cinderella” second reading F Figurative language. Look for similes, metaphors, personification, etc… I Imagery. What are the main images of the poem? What can you infer based on these images? D Diction. What do you notice about the word choice in the poem?

PITT Poetry Analysis In your groups, compare your shared inquiry notes. Then fill in your PITT graphic organizer. Be prepared to share with the class.

Exit Ticket What is the theme of this poem? Support your answer with evidence from the text.