tpiitt Poetry Analysis Technique

Notice As we go through this presentation all tpiitt directions will be written in yellow font.

What is tpiitt? tpiitt is an acronym of steps used to analyze poetry. The results of tpiitt can be used to write an essay analyzing a poem or comparing and contrasting two poems. There are six steps in the tpiitt process.

T -- Title Ponder the title before reading the poem At first---consider the meaning of the title without the benefit of knowing what the rest of the poem is about. Look at the title and attempt to predict what the poem will be about. Write your thoughts/predictions near the title.

P -- Paraphrase Translate the poem into your own words in the left hand margin Literally put the poem into your own words stanza by stanza. Make sure you understand the literal plot or message of the poem.

I -- Imagery Highlight or box the imagery in the poem. To the right of the poem jot down thought about each image. What images are especially vivid? What effect do these images have on your mood as a reader? Are these descriptions positive or negative.

I – Important/Interesting Lines [Bracket] the most important or interesting lines. To the right of the line, briefly explain why it is so important.

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. Write your interpretation next to your original prediction and thoughts.

T -- Theme Consider the poem. Think back to the paraphrasing, the imagery, the important lines and the title and determine the author’s purpose/message. This message is called the theme of the poem. Identifying the theme is not easy, it requires thought and is never, ever a one word answer. Write the theme of the poem on the bottom of the page or on the back of the page.

The Road Not Taken ~Robert Frost Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth;  Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same, And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back. I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference