Welcome to Ms. Sheffield's class blog!
Today, we covered TP-CASTT in class. This is a method used in poetry analysis. TP-CASTT is an acronym for the following: title, paraphrase, connotation, attitude, shifts, title, theme. Title is listed twice. The best way to use this method is through a t-chart. Write the elements down the left side and add some detail to remind yourself exactly what to do for each part. Use the right side for evidence of each element from the poem.
For the first title, you want to describe what you think the poem will be about just by looking at the title. This is strictly a prediction. When paraphrasing, you will want to write a summary of the poem in your own words. Connotation is asking for meaning behind the literal reading. Are there alternate meanings from the literal words written? Shifts deal with changes in the speaker, setting, or attitudes. It can be a shift of any sort. The second title section is asking for a deeper meaning behind the title. Now that you've read the poem, is there a deeper meaning behind why the author chose that particular title? Lastly, the reader should analyze the theme of the poem. What is the overall meaning behind this poem?
This explanation is just a short version of how to use TP-CASTT. There is a more in-depth chart on pages 57-58 in your textbook.
Discussion:
TP-CASTT is intended for examining poetry, but...
Could this be applied to other forms of literature?
Could this be used when analyzing movies?
If so, what are some specific examples where this could be used?
If not, what is the reasoning?
