TPCASTT Poetry Analysis Technique

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.

T -- Title Ponder the title before reading the poem Look at the title and attempt to predict what the poem will be about.

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

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 Circle these devices and make margin notes about their meanings.

A -- Attitude Observe both the speaker’s attitude and the poet’s attitude (this may or may not be clear) This, of course, is TONE.

S -- Shift Note shifts in speakers or attitudes Label all shifts you see in tone or attitude

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.

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. One work may have several possible themes