TP-CASTT Poetry Analysis TP-CASTT is an ACRONYM for… Title Paraphrase Connotation Attitude Shift Theme

First, let’s review some vocabulary: literal = means “exact” or “not exaggerated”. Literal language is language that means exactly what is said. Most of the time, we use literal language. figurative = the opposite of literal language. Figurative language is language that means more than what it says on the surface. Often used by poets and other writers.

Review vocabulary, continued: denotation = the dictionary definition of a word or phrase connotation = a meaning suggested by a word or phrase, in addition to its exact (denotative) meaning; can be the emotional feelings associated with the word

Write the following title and author on your TP-CASTT handout “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” Langston Hughes

Title: What predictions can you make about the poem from the title Title: What predictions can you make about the poem from the title? What are your initial (first) thoughts about the poem? What might be the theme of the poem?

Title: What predictions can you make from the title? Might be simply about some actual rivers around the world Is it about some memory the author has or some special feelings he has about his experiences or worldly travels? Perhaps the river is a metaphor to comment on society. (now read the poem: as you read, annotate examples of diction, syntax, rhythm, rhyme, structure, form & tone)

“The Negro Speaks of Rivers” Langston Hughes I’ve known rivers: I’ve known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins. My soul has grown deep like the rivers. I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young. I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep. I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it. I heard the singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincoln went down to New Orleans, and I’ve seen its muddy bosom turn all golden in the sunset. Ancient, dusky rivers.

Title: What predictions can you make from the title. Read the poem Title: What predictions can you make from the title? Read the poem. What are your initial (first) thoughts about the poem? What might be the theme of the poem? The poet uses the river as a metaphor – possibly for his soul, or perhaps his relationships, or even life itself. Rivers are constantly in flux, as are the surrounding areas of them.

Paraphrase: Describe what happens in the poem, in your own words. Rivers are old, a lot older than a single person. The poet compares the maturity of his soul to rivers. He then describes his connections with several major rivers around the world. He might be comparing his ancestors to the rivers. He ends by saying his soul has matured.

Connotation: What might the poem mean beyond the literal level Connotation: What might the poem mean beyond the literal level? Find examples of imagery, metaphors, similes, personification, symbolism, idioms, hyperbole, alliteration, rhyme scheme, rhythm, etc. and think about their possible connotative meanings. Consider the emotional feelings that the words may give the reader. Verses 4 & 13 has the same simile – compares the soul to a river The river itself is a metaphor for the human life: relationships, growth, development, aging, memories. The rhythm of the poem itself imitates the flow of rivers.

Attitude: Describe the tone of the poem Attitude: Describe the tone of the poem. What is the poet’s attitude toward the subject of the poem? The speaker’s attitude? Find and list examples that illustrate the tone and mood of the poem (these show attitude). Serious – verses 1-3 Soothing – verse 4 Wise – verses 5-10 Passive – verses 5-10 Confessional – verses 5-10 Tired – verses 12-13 Emotional – verse 13 Experienced Appreciative Contemplative

Shift: Is there a shift (a change) in the tone or speaker of the poem Shift: Is there a shift (a change) in the tone or speaker of the poem? Where does the shift happen in the poem? What does it shift from and to? The indention of verses – 3, 9, and 10 – indicates complete thoughts of the speaker. Repetition – “I” (“I’ve” and “my”), “rivers”, “soul”, and “deep” – which evoke serious and reflective feelings in the reader. Verses 5-10 mark a shift in structure as the speaker elaborates on the experiences that have led them to become the person they now are. The poem is open form, to mimic the sometimes inconsistent and unpredictable flow of rivers.

Title: Look at the title again Title: Look at the title again. Have your original ideas about the poem changed? How? What do you think the title means now? I think the title means the use of rivers as a metaphor for life and its constantly changing nature. The use of the word “Negro” in the title indicates a more formal recognition of the speaker as a person (in contrast with both the derogatory slang term and the racist treatment of this group of people).

Theme: What is the overall theme of the poem? What insight, understanding, lesson, or truth are we supposed to have after reading this poem? The themes of the poem appear to be life, reflection, and personal growth. The poet uses nature as inspiration for these themes, and provides an enlightened perspective of his people who have been historically mistreated by others, despite sharing a heritage of humanity.

Doing a TP-CASTT poem analysis will help you turn your observations into meaningful discussions or writing. You have noticed the details - now can put them together so you can understand and talk about the poem much better.