Analyzing Poetry Mnemonic

TOASTTT
T

Title

Consider the title and what it could mean for the poem. What do
you think the poem is about, based on the title?

Own
Words

In your own words, paraphrase what the poem is about; the plot,
so to speak. Consider who is speaking, who is being spoken to,
whether there is a reason or occasion for the poem, etc.

Analyze
poetic
devices
used

Examine any and all poetic devices, focusing on how they

contribute to meaning of the poem. Consider: imagery, figures of
speech like similes and metaphors, personification, and
symbolism. Also, look at diction, point of view, and sound devices
such as alliteration, onomatopoeia, rhythm, and rhyme.

Shifts

This is a shift in perspective, or moving from one line of thought

to another. Take into account the following when looking at shifts:
key words (but, yet, however, although)
punctuation (dashes, periods, colons, ellipses)
stanza divisions
changes in line or stanza length or both
irony
changes in sound

Tone
T

L
I
D
D
S

Title

Theme

changes in diction

To help assess the author's attitude or tone, as well as the mood

created for the reader, consider:
language
images
details
diction
sentence structure
Use LIDDS to help you remember how to approach analyzing
tone.
Consider the title again. What is its meaning or what does it tell
you about the poem?
What is the motivation, human experience, or condition put forth
by the poem? Consider what is taking place in the poem and who
or what is experiencing the action of the poem.