AP English 12
DiMatteo
TPFASTT Analysis Form
Title: What predictions can you make from the
title? What are your initial thoughts about the
poem? What might be the theme of the poem?
Paraphrase: Summarize the poem in your
own words. Focus on one unit of the poem at a
time; not necessarily a line, but a stanza,
sentence or a complete thought.
Figurative Language: Examine any and all
poetic devices, focusing on how such devices
contribute to the overall meaning and effect.
This isn’t Show and Tell; don’t simply
identify, but analyze the relationship between
the device and the impact on the meaning of
the poem as a whole.
Attitude: What attitude or tone does the
speaker express toward the subject of the
poem? Diction, images, and details suggest
the speaker’s attitude and contribute to
meaning.
Shift: Rarely will a poem begin and end in the
same place; the poem is a gradual experience,
usually with an epiphany. Look for key words
and changes in punctuation, structure, sound,
and/or diction.
Title: Revisit the title and explain any new
insights it provides to the interpretative
meaning of the poem.
Theme: In identifying theme, recognize the
poem’s comment on the human condition or
experience. This is a complete statement and
not a clichéd word or phrase.