TTP - TPCASTT (Poetry Analysis Strategy) Lesson

There are several ways to analyze a poem; however, the means most used by AP English teachers is what is called a TPCASTT.

TPCASTT is an acronym standing for title, paraphrase, connotation, attitude, shift, title (again), and theme.

This method is a great way to begin poetry analysis, and can serve as a way to begin reading a poem.

TPCASTT Steps

The strategy of TPCASTT provides a systematic way to start analysis of the poem. The video below will walk you through each of the steps in the TPCASTT method. Prepare to take notes and ensure that your speakers are turned up.

TPCASTT Review

Let's review your knowledge of this analysis process in the activity below.

Final Thoughts

TPCASTT is a great strategy to begin poetry analysis. However, the method does have some limitations. First, it only focuses upon some terms; however, these terms do tend to be the ones that recur most frequently on the AP Exam. Second, be careful with too much paraphrase at the expense of analysis; paraphrase is a great way to understand the literal meaning of a poem, but remember that your task is to explain how this meaning is crafted by the poet. Finally, your poetry essay should follow a potentially deeper organizational structure (more on that in the next lesson). Despite its limitations, the strategy does provide a systematic way to start analysis of the poem.

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