1. TP-CASTT
Poetry Analysis Made Easy

2. Before you read the poem…

3. T = Title
• Make a prediction about the poem BEFORE you
read it
• What do you think the poem will be about based
on the title?

4. Now, read the poem

5. P = Paraphrase
• Put the poem into your own words.
• Only look at the literal level; don’t try to find
deeper meaning yet.
• Look up unfamiliar words.

6. Then Dig Deeper…

7. C = Connotation
• Examine the poem for meaning BEYOND the
literal.
• Look for figurative language, imagery, and other
literary elements.

8. A = Attitude
• What is the TONE of the poem?
• Notes the author’s attitude towards the subject.
• What tone/attitude does the speaker (narrator of
the poem) have?

9. S = Shift
• Note any shifts in speakers and attitudes.
• Look for key words, time changes, and
punctuation. These things can be signals of a
shift.

10. T = Title (yes, again)
• Examine the title again, this time on an
interpretive level.
• What does the title mean in relation to the
contents of the poem?

11. T = Theme
• In your own words, what is the poem about?
• What is the poet saying about the subject?
• What idea is the poet trying to convey?

12. BAM! Poem Analysis Complete