to determine meaning theme TPCASTT with Fifteen by William Stafford Title Paraphrase Connotation Attitude Shifts Title Theme What is TPCASTT Speculate guess what the poem might be about based on its title ID: 283144
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Slide1
Analyzing the poemto determine meaning (theme)
TPCASTT with “Fifteen,” by William StaffordSlide2
TitleParaphraseConnotation
Attitude
ShiftsTitleTheme
What is “TPCASTT”?Slide3
Speculate (guess) what the poem might be about, based on its title.
T
itleSlide4
Now read the poem (pg. 699).When you’re finished, paraphrase the poem (basically, rewrite the poem in
your own words
– line by line!)
P
araphraseSlide5
Connotation refers to the feelings and associations a word invokes in you.For example, it’s typically OK to be called “thin.” However, how do you feel being called “skinny, boney?” Perhaps these words carry a “negative connotation” to them …
C
onnotationSlide6
When it comes to TPCASTT and poetry, connotation deals with how the words and language
contribute to the meaning(s) of the poem.
C
onnotationSlide7
Time to take the plunge (yes, that is a metaphor) …
C
onnotationSlide8
First stanza
C
onnotation
Symbolism
in the very first verse: Why does the author mention a “bridge on
Seventeenth
”?
What is the symbolism of “high grass”? In other words,
why do you think Stafford wrote that the motorcycle is in high grass? (Tip: Look beyond the literal.)
Stanza theme:Slide9
Second stanza
C
onnotation
Imagery: Which words/phrases create vivid images for the reader?
In your opinion, how do these images make the protagonist feel about the motorcycle?
Think about how you feel when you see something majestic, beautiful.
Stanza theme:Slide10
Third stanza
C
onnotation
Imagination! How does the protagonist feel about possibly taking the motorcycle?
How might a person be feeling if he/she feels a “tremble” in his/her hand?
How would
you feel about doing
something forbidden?
Stanza theme:Slide11
Fourth stanza
C
onnotation
Why is the protagonist “Thinking” in the first verse/line?
In line 20, the motorcyclist “roared away.” Which types of animals roar?
What is Stafford trying to say about the motorcyclist and/or the bike?
What is significant about the motorcyclist calling the protagonist a “good man?”
Stanza theme:Slide12
Basically, we’re talking about
tone
– the attitude of the author toward his/her subject.
A
ttitude
Diction
(the author’s word choice) and imagery can help us to identify the author’s tone(s).
In your composition book, write “Imagery,” then list the words and/or phrases in the poem that create images.
Next, identify an example of personification in the poem (hint: second stanza).Slide13
Now, let’s identify this poem’s
tone
.A
ttitude
Think of the poem’s:
diction (word choice)
Imagery
Figurative language (e.g. personification, metaphor)
So00000………….
What do you think the author’s attitude is in this poem?Slide14
Shifts in the poem’s tone, writing style, punctuation, or structure can help give the reader a bit more insight into the poem.
S
hifts
Identify any shifts in tone, action, or structure within in the poem.
Why does Stafford separate the final verse from the rest of the poem? Why does he use the word “stood?”Slide15
Let’s revisit the title. What new insight does the title provide in understanding the poem?
T
itleSlide16
Generally, the theme of a poem is its
message
.
T
heme
Identify
the poem’s theme in one word or a phrase.
Thematic
statement
: What
point/message might Stafford be trying to get across to the reader?Slide17
Answer the following prompt in a 4- to 5-sentence paragraph:
*How will you face a major temptation when you are on the cusp of adulthood?
Expository response (short answer)
Consider this when developing
your response: Will you weigh the morals and consequences of a risky decision, or
wil
l you succumb to your desires and rush in?Slide18
When constructing your short answer response, make sure to:
1. Answer the question directly in your first sentence.
2. Then, support your assertion in the other 3-4 sentences.
Expository response (short answer)