Activity Overview
Poetry is one of the most expressive forms of literature. It can evoke emotions, set a mood, tell a story, or create a deeply and universally understood feeling in its readers. This makes expounding its elements, and understanding its rich meaning, comparisons, and symbols, even more important.
The TP-CASTT method of poetry analysis is a great way to teach students to dissect a poem and understand its parts. It helps students to uncover the deeper meanings within poems while giving them the confidence to be self-educators. TP-CASTT Poetry Analysis is an order of operations similar to PEMDAS for math. It asks students to list items in sequential order and answer questions based on their reading of the poem.
Jabberwocky TPCASTT Example
| T | TITLE |
The title sounds weird. Jabber? It might mean to talk really fast, like “jabbering.” Maybe it’s a fast-sounding language? |
|---|---|---|
| P | PARAPHRASE |
The first and last stanzas are in the woods in the evening, with animals moving about. The second stanza begins with a father warning his son of a monster with sharp teeth and claws called the Jabberwock; he also warns him of the Jubjub bird and the Bandersnatch. The son takes up his sword and seeks out the monsters. He rests by the Tumtum tree when suddenly the Jabberwock appears. The son cuts down the Jabberwock and takes his head back to his father, where his father receives him into his arms with joy at the boy’s triumph. |
| C | CONNOTATION |
The narrator uses nonsense words and real words, and sometimes a combination of the two. All create a sense of anticipation, fear, and adventure. Some of the more prominent words and phrases include “beware the Jabberwock”, “jaws”, “claws”, “frumious”, “vorpal sword”, “eyes of flame”, “burbled”, “snicker-snack”, “left it dead”, and “chortled.” |
| A | ATTITUDE/TONE |
The narrator’s tone is suspenseful, elevated in style, and playful. |
| S | SHIFT |
There are a few shifts. The first happens between the second and third stanzas, where the father warns his son of the creatures in the woods, but then the son takes up his sword and strikes out after them anyway. The next shift occurs when the son returns home and his father is relieved and ecstatic. The last stanza repeats the first, but this time, it’s not a sense of foreboding; instead, it seems to show that everything returns to normal. |
| T | TITLE |
The title is about a monster called the Jabberwock, which the son sets out with his sword to kill. |
| T | THEME |
The theme of the poem is the classic battle of good versus evil, and also the boy’s desire to make his father proud. His father’s sheer joy at his son’s success further confounds this theme. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Perform a TPCASTT analysis of “Jabberwocky”. Remember that TPCASTT stands for Title, Paraphrase, Connotation, Attitude/Tone, Shift, Title, Theme.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose any combination of scenes, characters, items, and text to represent each letter of TPCASTT.
- Write a few sentences describing the importance or meaning of the images.
- Finalize images, edit, and proofread your work.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | Needs Improvement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TPCASTT Responses | Every part of TPCASTT was thoroughly answered and there was sufficient evidence from the text. | Most parts of TPCASTT was answered with sufficient evidence to support claims. | Less than half of TPCASTT was answered and/or responses had insufficient evidence from the text. | Examples and descriptions are missing or too minimal to score. |
| Depictions | Depictions chosen for each section are accurate to the poem and reflect time, effort, thought, and care with regard to placement and creation of the scenes. | Depictions chosen for each section are mostly accurate to the poem. They reflect time and effort put into placement and creation of the scenes. | Depictions chosen for each section are inaccurate to the poem. The depictions may be rushed or show minimal effort, time, and care put into placement and creation of the scenes. | Most depictions are missing too many elements or are too minimal to score. Little time or effort has been put into placement and creation of the scenes. |
| English Conventions | There are no errors in spelling, grammar, or mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions reflect careful proofreading and accuracy to the poem. | There are a few errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions show accuracy to the poem and some proofreading. | There are several errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. Most writing portions do not reflect proofreading or accuracy to the poem. | Errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics in writing portions of the storyboard seriously interfere with communication. |
Activity Overview
Poetry is one of the most expressive forms of literature. It can evoke emotions, set a mood, tell a story, or create a deeply and universally understood feeling in its readers. This makes expounding its elements, and understanding its rich meaning, comparisons, and symbols, even more important.
The TP-CASTT method of poetry analysis is a great way to teach students to dissect a poem and understand its parts. It helps students to uncover the deeper meanings within poems while giving them the confidence to be self-educators. TP-CASTT Poetry Analysis is an order of operations similar to PEMDAS for math. It asks students to list items in sequential order and answer questions based on their reading of the poem.
Jabberwocky TPCASTT Example
| T | TITLE |
The title sounds weird. Jabber? It might mean to talk really fast, like “jabbering.” Maybe it’s a fast-sounding language? |
|---|---|---|
| P | PARAPHRASE |
The first and last stanzas are in the woods in the evening, with animals moving about. The second stanza begins with a father warning his son of a monster with sharp teeth and claws called the Jabberwock; he also warns him of the Jubjub bird and the Bandersnatch. The son takes up his sword and seeks out the monsters. He rests by the Tumtum tree when suddenly the Jabberwock appears. The son cuts down the Jabberwock and takes his head back to his father, where his father receives him into his arms with joy at the boy’s triumph. |
| C | CONNOTATION |
The narrator uses nonsense words and real words, and sometimes a combination of the two. All create a sense of anticipation, fear, and adventure. Some of the more prominent words and phrases include “beware the Jabberwock”, “jaws”, “claws”, “frumious”, “vorpal sword”, “eyes of flame”, “burbled”, “snicker-snack”, “left it dead”, and “chortled.” |
| A | ATTITUDE/TONE |
The narrator’s tone is suspenseful, elevated in style, and playful. |
| S | SHIFT |
There are a few shifts. The first happens between the second and third stanzas, where the father warns his son of the creatures in the woods, but then the son takes up his sword and strikes out after them anyway. The next shift occurs when the son returns home and his father is relieved and ecstatic. The last stanza repeats the first, but this time, it’s not a sense of foreboding; instead, it seems to show that everything returns to normal. |
| T | TITLE |
The title is about a monster called the Jabberwock, which the son sets out with his sword to kill. |
| T | THEME |
The theme of the poem is the classic battle of good versus evil, and also the boy’s desire to make his father proud. His father’s sheer joy at his son’s success further confounds this theme. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Perform a TPCASTT analysis of “Jabberwocky”. Remember that TPCASTT stands for Title, Paraphrase, Connotation, Attitude/Tone, Shift, Title, Theme.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose any combination of scenes, characters, items, and text to represent each letter of TPCASTT.
- Write a few sentences describing the importance or meaning of the images.
- Finalize images, edit, and proofread your work.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | Needs Improvement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TPCASTT Responses | Every part of TPCASTT was thoroughly answered and there was sufficient evidence from the text. | Most parts of TPCASTT was answered with sufficient evidence to support claims. | Less than half of TPCASTT was answered and/or responses had insufficient evidence from the text. | Examples and descriptions are missing or too minimal to score. |
| Depictions | Depictions chosen for each section are accurate to the poem and reflect time, effort, thought, and care with regard to placement and creation of the scenes. | Depictions chosen for each section are mostly accurate to the poem. They reflect time and effort put into placement and creation of the scenes. | Depictions chosen for each section are inaccurate to the poem. The depictions may be rushed or show minimal effort, time, and care put into placement and creation of the scenes. | Most depictions are missing too many elements or are too minimal to score. Little time or effort has been put into placement and creation of the scenes. |
| English Conventions | There are no errors in spelling, grammar, or mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions reflect careful proofreading and accuracy to the poem. | There are a few errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. All writing portions show accuracy to the poem and some proofreading. | There are several errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics throughout the storyboard. Most writing portions do not reflect proofreading or accuracy to the poem. | Errors in spelling, grammar, and mechanics in writing portions of the storyboard seriously interfere with communication. |
How Tos about The Jabberwocky TP-CASTT Analysis
Engage reluctant readers with TP-CASTT poetry analysis
Motivate students by connecting the TP-CASTT method to their interests or everyday experiences. Start with poems that feature adventure, humor, or relatable themes to capture curiosity. Use multimedia or visuals to make abstract concepts concrete and spark classroom discussion.
Model a TP-CASTT analysis together as a class
Guide students through a collaborative analysis of a short, accessible poem on the board or projector. Pause after each TP-CASTT step to invite ideas and clarify misunderstandings, ensuring everyone understands the process.
Assign partners or small groups for first independent TP-CASTT practice
Encourage teamwork by having students work in pairs or trios to analyze a new poem using the TP-CASTT template. This builds confidence and allows students to share diverse interpretations before working alone.
Incorporate creative visuals to reinforce each TP-CASTT element
Invite students to draw, collage, or digitally create images that represent each stage of their analysis. This deepens understanding and supports visual learners, making poetry analysis more memorable and fun.
Facilitate a reflective share-out or gallery walk
Celebrate student work by having groups present their analyses or display them around the room. Encourage positive peer feedback to build a supportive classroom culture and reinforce key concepts.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Jabberwocky TP-CASTT Analysis
What is the TP-CASTT method of poetry analysis?
TP-CASTT is a structured poetry analysis technique that guides students through examining a poem's Title, Paraphrase, Connotation, Attitude/Tone, Shifts, Title (again), and Theme. This method helps readers break down and understand each element for deeper comprehension.
How do you analyze 'Jabberwocky' using the TP-CASTT method?
To analyze Jabberwocky with TP-CASTT, review the title, paraphrase each stanza, explore connotations of key words, identify the attitude/tone, note shifts in the poem, revisit the title for deeper meaning, and determine the theme—such as good vs. evil and making a parent proud.
Why is the TP-CASTT method effective for teaching poetry to students?
The TP-CASTT method is effective because it provides a clear, step-by-step process that builds students’ confidence, encourages close reading, and helps them uncover deeper meanings and literary devices in poems.
What are some key connotations found in 'Jabberwocky'?
Key connotations in Jabberwocky include invented words like “frumious” and “vorpal sword,” which create a sense of adventure, danger, and whimsy, as well as real words like “beware,” “jaws,” and “claws” that heighten suspense and excitement.
What is the main theme of 'Jabberwocky'?
The main theme of Jabberwocky is the classic battle of good versus evil, highlighted by the boy’s quest to defeat the Jabberwock and make his father proud, emphasizing courage and triumph.
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