Use the TP-CASTT strategy to analyze the poems. Record your responses in the graphic organizer that follows. Read each poem several times, each time discussing aspects of the TP-CASTT strategy and recording your responses.
Title:
Look at the title without looking at the rest of the poem. What do you think the poem will be about?

Paraphrase:
After diffusing the text, translate the most challenging lines of the poem into your own words (you may need to reread the text several times). Then briefly summarize the poem in such a way that the meaning is maintained.

Connotation:
Mark the text by highlighting the diction (words and phrases) used for positive effect (color 1) and/or negative effect (color 2). Then study the diction to determine a pattern and record your analysis.

Attitude (Tone):
Consider the speaker's attitude in the poem. How does her attitude change from the start of the poem to its end?

Shift:
Look for shifts, or changes in the poem. These shifts are meant to draw your attention, and might take the form of punctuation, transition words, stanza length, or structural changes. Identify a shift in the poem.

Title:
Look at the title again. How is your interpretation of it different now that you've analyzed the poem more deeply? Can you confirm or correct your initial hypotheses?

Theme:
Determine the author's message conveyed in the poem. Identify a theme in the poem (such as family or the human condition). Then, write a statement about the underlying theme of the poem.