1. Introduction to Poetry Analysis
The process of analyzing poetry does not have to be intimidating.
There is no ‘right’ answer that I am looking for when I assess your analysis.
I am looking for your ability to formulate and support an opinion about a poem.
The TPCASTT acronym may help you feel more confident in formulating your opinion.

2. You might find the following organizer to be helpful in your analysis:

3. T is for TITLE Analyze the title first.
Make a prediction about what the poem might be about from the title of the poem.
Write the predictions down.
We will reflect on the title again after we have read the poem.

4. NOW
READ THE POEM

5. P is for PARAPHRASE
Paraphrasing is putting something in your own words.
After reading the poem, rewrite it in your own words.
This may be three sentences or a page, depending on the particular poem.

6. C is for CONNOTATION
apostrophe
Analyze the figures of speech and sound effects of the poem.
These elements are important to your analysis because they may be used as evidence to support your argument.
ASSONANCE
alliteration
RHYME
personification
diction
onomatopoeia
simile
meter
ONOMATOPEIA
HYPERBOLE
metaphor

7. A is for ATTITUDE
Tone is the attitude of the speaker toward the subject of the poem.

8. S IS FOR SHIFT Examine your poem for a change in… Time Tone Speaker
Shifts should always be noted as they can affect the meaning.

9. Reconsider the title of the poem.
T IS FOR TITLE (Again)
Reconsider the title of the poem.
Compare your analysis of the poem to your previous predictions?
What other meanings might the title have in light of your analysis?

10. T is for THEME
The theme of a poem may be understood as an interpretation of life by the author.
A theme is the main idea, moral, or message of the author about life, society, or human nature.
The tone, conventions, and language of the poem identify the author’s attitude about the theme.

11. How do I find the THEME? Review the other components of TPCASTT.
What message are all of these parts working together to convey?
What is the poet trying to say about life?