Entry #53:

TPSFAST ANALYSIS
FOR POETRY

 To

analyze, criticize, or evaluate a poem

means you are looking for the deeper
meaning of the poem (theme), how the
author was inspired to write the poem, and
how you feel about the poem
When you closely analyze a poem, there are
some important factors you want to
consider

TPS-FAST method for analyzing poetry

TITLE: Consider both the literal and metaphoric meanings

PARAPHRASE: go through and summarize each stanza in your own words

SPEAKER: consider the narrator or persona of the poem- is he/she an observer or

a participant? How emotionally close is the speaker? Is he/she experiencing the
event right now or reflecting back on it later? What do we know about this
person?

FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE: look for patterns- similes, metaphors, repetition, sound

devices, rhyme, opposites, or particular patterns of words- Meaning of them?

ATTITUDE: What is the speakers attitude toward the subject of the poem? In
short, what is the tone?

SHIFT: Where does the poem change (if at all)? Why might this turning point be
significant?

THEME: A complete statement that expresses the meaning of the poem and
highlights two techniques the poet uses to express that meaning

EX: In the poem, ---, [the poet] uses _____fig. device #1

and _____fig. device #2

to