1. Tpcastt Analysis system
For Poetry in Ms. Davis’s Class

2. Have a copy of the poem
Whether in written and read form, in video form, or in audio form, you must give the audience the poem before you give them your analysis.

3. Literal Meaning Address the words and their literal meaning.
This analysis is a face value proof that you understand the poem upon first reading.

4. Symbolic/figurative meaning
Address the words and their symbolism or accepted meaning.
This analysis is a deeper understanding proof that you have seen the figurative language and poet’s purpose between the words.

5. Devices
List, define, and describe the purpose of any devices in the poem.

6. Poet Bio Brief bio of the poet.
If possible, reference his/her life’s influence on the poem you chose.

7. structure
If anything is noteworthy about the structure, include your observation.
Structure could include:
rhyme scheme
rhythm
visual form

8. T: Title
Analyze the significance of the title.

9. P: paraphrase Paraphrase/summarize the poem.
Give major events and opinions expressed through the poem.

10. C: connotation
Pull out figurative language, imagery, symbolism, or other specific phrases that are designed to give an emotional response, or have a deeper meaning to the tone, mood, or theme.

11. A: attitude
What is the poet’s (or speaker’s) attitude towards the subject? How do you know? (hint: cite textual evidence!)
Remember, author’s attitude is also know as to tone.

12. S: shift
Is there a change in the poem? In rhythm, rhyme scheme, attitude, emotion, or even number of syllables. While this might not always be present, please be completely positive if you claim there is no shift. If I see one and you don’t, you’ll lose points.

13. T:title (again)
Now that you have read, and analyzed, the poem, does the title have more significance to you?
Why?
What textual evidence supports your new analysis of the title?

14. T: theme
Use this format: (Poem title) by (author) is about (big idea) and reveals (a general idea about life, based on the big idea in the poem).
Example: “Totally like whatever, you know?” by Taylor Mali is about society’s waning commitment and reveals that by lacking authority, humans lack impact on their surroundings.

15. tpcastt