1. TPCASTT Poetry Analysis
repetition!
onomatopoeia!

2. TPCASTT is an ACRONYM for…
Title Paraphrase Connotation Attitude Shift Theme
It is a method used by our high schools to help us understand, appreciate, and communicate about poetry and the power of words.

3. 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.
Example: Let the cat out of the bag.

4. Figurative = the opposite of 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.
Example: Let the cat out of the bag.

5. 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
Think of the denotative and connotative meanings of words such as home, mother, love, peace, friend, etc.

6. Vocabulary Continued…
Personification = giving
human qualities to an
inanimate object
Example: The moon smiled
down at me.

7. Vocab. Cont… Hyperbole = an exaggeration Example: This backpack
weighs a ton!!

8. Vocab. Cont.
Simile = comparing two things using the words “like” or “as”
Example: She runs as fast as a cheetah.

9. Vocab. Cont.
Metaphor = comparing two things WITHOUT using “like” or “as”
Example: You are my sunshine.

10. Vocab. Cont.
Alliteration = repetition of consonant sounds in a poem

11. Write the following title and author on your TP-CASTT handout “Dreams” by Langston Hughes

12. 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?

13. Title: What predictions can you make about the poem from the title?
The poem will be about dreams. It can be about dreams as goals or about people having dreams when they sleep.
**Now read the poem**

14. “Dreams”
By: Langston Hughes
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.

15. Paraphrase: Describe what happens in the poem, in your own words.
You have to hold on to dreams because if dreams die, they are like a bird with a broken wing.
Hold on to dreams because if you let your dreams go, life is like a field with nothing in it that is frozen with snow.

16. 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.
Personification: dreams die, dreams go
By making them have human-like qualities, the dreams seem important.
Metaphor, Imagery: Life is a broken winged bird, life is a barren field
Both of these are negative things. Losing a dream can have negative results in your life.
Point of View: The poem is written in 2nd person. The speaker is speaking directly to the reader.
Repetition: Hold fast to dreams
Alliteration: Dreams die
This sound device gives the poem a melancholy (sad) sound and mood.

17. 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).
The speaker sounds wise, so he or she knows what they are talking about. The speaker’s tone is cautionary and somewhat melancholy. The poet’s attitude seems to be one of sadness. He or she seems to have known what it’s like to have lost a dream.
“dreams die” (line 2)
“broken-winged bird” (line 3)
“barren field” (line 7)

18. 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?
This poem has only two sentences. There aren’t any shifts, but the poem does end quickly with a strong image, a strong negative image.
“frozen with snow” (line 8)

19. 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?
The poem is about dreams and continuing to dream. The dreams are goals in life that people want to reach.

20. Theme: What is the overall theme of the poem?
What insight, understanding, lesson, or truth are we supposed to have after reading this poem?
This poems shows us the importance of dreams. The theme or message in this poem shows us that a life without dreams will be an empty life.

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

22. Time to Practice a TPCASTT on your own!!