Poetry Analysis Using TPFASTT

Getting Started… a process to help you organize your analysis Will allow you to put vocabulary into practice! Analyze “Song 36” together Analyze “Ex-Basketball Player” in groups

TPFASTT NOTES

T is for TITLE Analyze the title first. predict what this poem is about? Write down your predictions.

READ THE POEM!!!!

P is for PARAPHRASE Write the literal meaning of the poem. Summarize it. Focus on words you don’t know Use context clues and/or look them up Identify words that stand out

F is for Figurative Language Identify and analyze the figures of speech and sound devices

A is for ATTITUDE Focus on tone – use tone list Look at diction- word choice Examine images

S is for SHIFT Notice changes in… –Time –Tone –Speaker Notice -irony -stanza divisions -Punctuation -transition words

T is for TITLE (again) Reconsider the title How accurate were your predictions? Discuss other possible meanings

T is for THEME Makes a general statement about the human experience, motivation, or condition. What is the poet trying to say about life? Look at other parts of TPFASTT It is always a complete sentence. Does not use 1 st or 2 nd person. Does not specifically refer to the poem.

Song 36 How few of us are left, how few! Why do we not go back? Were it not for our prince and his concerns, What should we be doing here in the dew?

Song 36 How few of us are left, how few! Why do we not go back? Were it not for our prince’s own concerns, What should we be doing here in the mud?