TPCASTT Mrs Burhenn What is TPCASTT This is

TPCASTT Mrs. Burhenn

What is TPCASTT? �This is an anagram to analyze poetry, much like DIDLS is an anagram to analyze tone. �You will use this (and DIDLS) in your AP classes, so the more practice the better! �Title �Paraphrase �Connotation �Attitude �Shift �Title revisited �Theme

Title �First thing’s first. Read the title, and think what the poem might be about.

Paraphrase �Before you try to read deeply into the poem, you must first look at the literal meaning. �Break the poem up into manageable chunks and paraphrase each chunk. �This is not a summary; this is writing the poem in your own words.

Connotation �This is where you begin to look beyond the surface. �Look for poetic devices such as imagery, metaphors, personification, symbolism, diction, point of view, sound devices �It is not necessary to identify all poetic devices, but make sure the ones you do identify support any conclusions made about the poem.

Attitude �The author’s or speaker’s tone in the poem is important. �Remember: To misunderstand tone is to misunderstand meaning. �Remember DIDLS

Shift �Most poetry will have a shift, much like the poet’s realization of understanding of an experience �Watch for the following cues: �Words such as: but, yet, however, etc. �Punctuation �Stanza divisions �Changes in stanza or line length, diction, sound devices

Title Revisited �Now that you have looked at the poem on a deeper level, look at the title again. Does it hold a different meaning than it once did?

Theme �What is the poem saying about the overall human experience, motivation, or condition? �What idea does the poet want you to take with you? �A theme cannot be stated in one word; it is a not just a subject, but a theory or idea about that subject.