Surviving the Elements of Poetry: Poetry Analysis

Now that you understand the literary devices, rhyme, and rhythm, you are ready to practice the complete analysis! TPCASTT is an acronym for a way to analyze poetry. Oftentimes, using the TPCASTT method for analyzing poetry will give you a clear idea of what the poem is about and help you understand the theme of the poem. Read through the steps of the TPCASTT below:

Explore each section in the tabs below to learn more.

T
P
C
A
S
T
T

T - Title:

Look at the title before reading the poem. Attempt to predict the significance of the title. This will help you gauge the meaning of the poem as you read. Occasionally, poems will not have titles. If this is the case, skip the "Title" part of the TPCASTT technique.

P - Paraphrase:

Translate the plot of the poem into your own words. Make sure you understand what every word means and that you can see every image being used.

C - Connotation:

Contemplate the meaning of the poem beyond the literal - the figurative. Look for all poetic devices and see how they contribute to the meaning of the poem. Connotative devices include all figurative language and sound devices (similes, metaphors, etc.

A - Attitude:

Identify and describe the persona. Observe the speaker's attitude, the tone.

S - Shift:

Determine the stanza type and whether there are shifts in the tone/attitude. Sometimes a change in stanzas will indicate a shift in attitude.

T - Title (again):

Re-examine the title. Try to see how the title fits with the work as a whole.

T - Theme:

Determine what the poet is saying. This does not have to be a "moral" or a "cute saying". Instead, you should think about how the human experience is presented in the poem. The theme should be a universal truth, not applicable only to the poem.

TPCASTT Video

There are several steps to follow when using the TPCASTT, so let's practice using the TPCASTT method to analyze a poem together. View the TPCASTT analysis video below:

TPCASTT Self-Assessment

How well do you understand the TPCASTT method? Test your understanding below!

Practice Icon After reviewing the elements of poetry, let’s practice our understanding of interpretation and analysis. Remember that since author’s often use poetry to send messages about issues in society, you can still use a chosen lens for a poetry analysis and to interpret an author’s argument.

So far, you have read several pieces about economics and education connected to survival, and below you will read two poems that also relate to the issues surrounding economics and education in relation to survival. The final poem will be for you to analyze in light of gender issues and survival, which you will read more about in the next lesson.

Two of the poems below are by English writers, and one poem is by an American writer. As you read, complete the following:

Write down the themes, genres, and verbal styles of literature from the time period
Identify the key themes and stylistic features from each poem
Use the TPCASTT method for analysis

Reading Assignment: “The Chimney Sweeper”

About the Author: William Blake was an English poet who lived in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. Born in London, he wrote many symbolic poems and often illustrated them himself. One of his most famous works is Songs of Innocence and of Experience where he compares life through the eyes of a child (innocent and hopeful) with life through the eyes of an adult (darker and harsher) showing how injustice and suffering affect people as they get older. Two of Blake’s poems from Songs of Innocence and of Experience called “The Chimney Sweeper" details a chimney sweeper as a boy (innocence) and then as an adult (experience) showing how economic issues can affect survival.

Reading Assignment: Download and read "The Chimney Sweeper"

"The Chimney Sweeper" Self-Assessment

Reading Assignment: “An Old Man's Thoughts of School”

About the Author: Walt Whitman was an American poet who lived in the 19^th century; he also wrote essays. He was born in Long Island, New York and eventually decided to become a poet. His style broke free from the previously structured poems into what we now call “free verse,” and his poems focus on nature and democracy among other ideas. Whitman’s poem “An Old Man’s Thoughts of School” discusses how education creates people with character, equality, and freedom.

Reading Assignment: Download and read "An Old Man's Thoughts Of School"

"An Old Man’s Thoughts of School" Self-Assessment

Reading Assignment: “The Rights of Women”

About the Author: Anna Laetitia Barbauld was an English poet who lived in the 18^th and 19^th centuries; born in Leicestershire, England, she also wrote essays about politics on educational and social justice issues. Her works challenged traditional views and focused on equality for women during the time period. Barbauld’s most famous poem “The Rights of Women" supports uplifting women to do everything men can do.

Reading Assignment: Download and read “The Rights of Women"

"The Rights of Women" Self-Assessment

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