1. Using TPCASTT for Analysis of Poetry
T = Title – What do the words of the title suggest to you? What denotations are presented in the title? What connotations or associations do the words posses?
P = Paraphrase – Translate the poem in your own words. What is the poem about?
C = Connotation – What meaning does the poem have beyond the literal meaning? (form, p.o.v., symbolism, diction, details, fig. language, imagery, allusions, etc.)
A = Attitude – What is the speaker’s attitude? How does the speaker feel about himself, about others, and about the subject? What is the author’s attitude? How does the author feel about the speaker, about other characters, about the subject, and the reader?
S = Shifts – Where do the shifts in tone, setting, voice, etc. occur? Look for time and place, keywords, punctuation, stanza divisions, changes in length or rhyme and sentence structure. What is the purpose of each shift? How do they contribute to effect and meaning?
T = Title - What part does the title play in the overall interpretation of the poem?
T = Theme – List the subjects and abstract ideas in the poem. Then determine the overall theme. The theme must be written in a complete sentence.

2. AP Literature Introductions
Make certain that your topic is very clear to the reader. This reinforces the idea that you fully understand what is expected of you and what you will communicate to the reader. Generally, identify both the text and the author in this first paragraph.
Steps To Write Your Introduction Paragraph:
1. The first paragraph begins with a statement of the theme of the work
2. It then states specifically what techniques the author uses to express that theme
3. It then finishes with a statement assessing the effectiveness of the work

3. AP Literature Introductions
In your Introduction, make sure you:
1. Include the author and title
2. Address the literal and figurative elements of the poem
3. Address figurative language, imagery and tone

4. AP Literature Writing Prompt
Write an essay in which you discuss how the poet’s use of figurative language, imagery and tone reveal his attitude toward the concept of fate vs. free will.

5. Introduction

6. Peer Edit Statement of theme (topic) – 10 points
Look for the following in your partner’s introduction:
Statement of theme (topic) – 10 points
Address Techniques (writing strategies) – 10 points
Statement assessing the effectiveness of work (author’s attitude towards topic(theme)) – 10 points
Author & Title – 10 points
Mechanics (spelling, grammar, punctuation, organization) – 10 points