Transcript TPCASTT with “Fifteen,” by William Stafford

Analyzing the poem
to determine meaning (theme)
 Title
 Paraphrase
 Connotation
 Attitude
 Shifts
 Title
 Theme
 Speculate (guess) what the poem might be about,
based on its title.
 Now read the poem (pg. 699).
 When you’re finished, paraphrase the poem (basically,
rewrite the poem in your own words – line by line!)
 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 …
 When it comes to TPCASTT and poetry, connotation
deals with how the words and language contribute to
the meaning(s) of the poem.
 Time to take the plunge (yes, that is a metaphor) …
 First stanza
 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:
 Second stanza
 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:
 Third stanza
 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:
 Fourth stanza
 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:
 Basically, we’re talking about tone – the attitude of
the author toward his/her subject.
 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).
 Now, let’s identify this poem’s tone.
 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?
 Shifts in the poem’s tone, writing style, punctuation,
or structure can help give the reader a bit more
insight into the poem.
 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?”
 Let’s revisit the title. What new insight does the title
provide in understanding the poem?
 Generally, the theme of a poem is its message.
 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?
 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?
 Consider this when developing your response: Will
you weigh the morals and consequences of a risky
decision, or will you succumb to your desires and
rush in?
 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.