1. Analysis
Analysis
C. Bignell

2. TP-CASTT A good acronym for analyzing poetry is:
Write the letters of TP-CASTT
along the left margin of your page.

3. TP-CASTT T is for Title Analyze the title:
What do you think the poem will be about?
Write down your predictions
Keep these predictions handy, because you will be looking at them later!

4. TP-CASTT P is for Paraphrase Paraphrase the poem:
After reading the poem, restate the literal meaning in your own words
This helps clarify any misunderstandings before the analysis begins

5. TP-CASTT C is for Connotation Consider the word choice
Identify the tone and how it is created
Note the use of any poetic devices and determine their effect and purpose

6. TP-CASTT A is for Attitude Question how the poem is read
Tone and Devices set the speaker’s attitude about the topic
What different attitudes and opinions does the speaker hold?

7. TP-CASTT S is for Shifts What understanding or insight is gained?
The speaker’s attitude can change
Watch for the following devices which can indicate a shift:
Key words
Punctuation
Stanza Division
Changes in length
(line or stanza)
Irony
Changes in sound
which indicate meaning
Change in tone

8. TP-CASTT T is for Title (again) Revisit the title
Having read the poem, how has the meaning of the title changed for you?
What new insight does the title give you about the poem?

9. TP-CASTT T is for Theme Identify the theme
What subjects does the poem address?
How does the poet want you to feel about the theme? (done through literary devices)
What does this mean for audiences?

10. TP-CASTT
Try it!
John Donne
“The Flea”
1896

11. John Donne “The Flea” 1896 Mark but this flea, and mark in this,
How little that which thou deniest me is ;
It suck'd me first, and now sucks thee,
And in this flea our two bloods mingled be.
Thou know'st that this cannot be said
A sin, nor shame, nor loss of maidenhead ;
    Yet this enjoys before it woo,
    And pamper'd swells with one blood made of two ;
    And this, alas! is more than we would do.
O stay, three lives in one flea spare,
Where we almost, yea, more than married are.
This flea is you and I, and this
Our marriage bed, and marriage temple is.
Though parents grudge, and you, we're met,
And cloister'd in these living walls of jet.
    Though use make you apt to kill me,
    Let not to that self-murder added be,
    And sacrilege, three sins in killing three.
Cruel and sudden, hast thou since
Purpled thy nail in blood of innocence?
Wherein could this flea guilty be,
Except in that drop which it suck'd from thee?
Yet thou triumph'st, and say'st that thou
Find'st not thyself nor me the weaker now.
'Tis true ; then learn how false fears be;
Just so much honour, when thou yield'st to me,
Will waste, as this flea's death took life from thee.
John Donne
“The Flea”
1896