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.
TPCASTT Example for "Ode on a Grecian Urn"
| T | TITLE | I believe the title will be about someone famous in Greek History who has died. |
|---|---|---|
| P | PARAPHRASE |
The speaker is looking at all the pictures on the urn and discussing them. |
| C | CONNOTATION |
The speaker uses a mixture of happy and sad language, which conveys a very complicated, bittersweet emotion. He also uses a great deal of language about countrysides, and plants. |
| A | ATTITUDE/TONE |
The speaker seems wistful about the passage of time. |
| S | SHIFTS |
A shift occurs in the final stanza, when the speaker stops describing the scenes on the urn and writes about how the urn will endure, unchanged, even as human life moves on. |
| T | TITLE |
After reading the poem my title was partially correct. The poem was deeper than expected, and wasn’t about a particular person. |
| T | THEME |
Some things about life are the same as centuries ago; the urn is immortal as are the images on the sides. |
This is a great activity to have students do in a small group. Once they are finished, ask them to create their own storyboard with the TPCASTT steps!
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 "Ode on a Grecian Urn". 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.
TPCASTT Example for "Ode on a Grecian Urn"
| T | TITLE | I believe the title will be about someone famous in Greek History who has died. |
|---|---|---|
| P | PARAPHRASE |
The speaker is looking at all the pictures on the urn and discussing them. |
| C | CONNOTATION |
The speaker uses a mixture of happy and sad language, which conveys a very complicated, bittersweet emotion. He also uses a great deal of language about countrysides, and plants. |
| A | ATTITUDE/TONE |
The speaker seems wistful about the passage of time. |
| S | SHIFTS |
A shift occurs in the final stanza, when the speaker stops describing the scenes on the urn and writes about how the urn will endure, unchanged, even as human life moves on. |
| T | TITLE |
After reading the poem my title was partially correct. The poem was deeper than expected, and wasn’t about a particular person. |
| T | THEME |
Some things about life are the same as centuries ago; the urn is immortal as are the images on the sides. |
This is a great activity to have students do in a small group. Once they are finished, ask them to create their own storyboard with the TPCASTT steps!
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 "Ode on a Grecian Urn". 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 TPCASTT Analysis for \"Ode on a Grecian Urn\"
Engage students with interactive TPCASTT discussions
Foster deeper understanding by leading students in open-ended conversations about each TPCASTT element. Encourage them to share different perspectives and cite evidence from the poem to support their ideas. This approach builds critical thinking and interpretive skills.
Model the TPCASTT process using a think-aloud strategy
Demonstrate your thought process as you analyze a poem out loud, step by step. Explain how you interpret each TPCASTT element, showing students how to break down difficult language and uncover meaning. This helps make abstract analysis more concrete and accessible.
Assign collaborative TPCASTT posters in small groups
Divide students into groups and assign each team a TPCASTT section to illustrate on a poster. Guide them to use quotes, images, and color to represent their analysis. Display these posters to reinforce concepts and celebrate student insights.
Incorporate creative writing by having students write their own 'urn' poem
Invite students to compose short poems inspired by the style or themes of 'Ode on a Grecian Urn.' Challenge them to use vivid imagery and explore the idea of timelessness. This activity helps deepen empathy for the poet’s craft and connects analysis to self-expression.
Use exit tickets to check for understanding after TPCASTT activities
Ask students to answer a quick question about one TPCASTT element or explain how their thinking changed during the lesson. Collect these exit tickets to assess comprehension and guide your next steps in instruction.
Frequently Asked Questions about TPCASTT Analysis for \"Ode on a Grecian Urn\"
What is the TPCASTT method for poetry analysis?
TPCASTT is a step-by-step poetry analysis strategy that stands for Title, Paraphrase, Connotation, Attitude/Tone, Shift, Title (again), and Theme. It guides students to break down and understand complex poems by examining each aspect in order.
How do you use TPCASTT to analyze "Ode on a Grecian Urn"?
To analyze "Ode on a Grecian Urn" with TPCASTT, students interpret the title, summarize each stanza, explore the poem’s deeper meanings and emotional tone, identify shifts in perspective, revisit the title, and finally state the overall theme. Each step helps uncover the poem’s rich imagery and timeless message.
Why is TPCASTT helpful for teaching poetry to high school students?
TPCASTT offers a clear, structured approach that demystifies poetry for high school students. It builds analysis skills, encourages independent thinking, and gives students confidence to interpret meaning and literary devices in any poem.
What are some tips for making TPCASTT analysis engaging in the classroom?
Make TPCASTT engaging by having students work in small groups, use visuals like storyboards for each step, and encourage creative interpretations. Connecting the analysis to students’ experiences or current events can also boost interest and understanding.
Can students create storyboards as part of TPCASTT analysis activities?
Yes, students can enhance their TPCASTT analysis by creating storyboards that visually represent each step. This helps deepen comprehension and makes the activity interactive and memorable.
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