From TPS-FASTT to Essay

So you've done the prep work, by reading the poem and following the TPS-FASTT method. Now, it is time to assemble what you have into an essay. Follow these steps and you will have all the ingredients in an organized format for a poetry analysis essay.

1. Write the thesis. Remember, the thesis statement should directly and specifically address the prompt (or answer the question). Note: some people write the entire introduction first. Not me. I find that by writing the thesis, I can bring my entire essay into focus.

Your thesis statement should read something like this:

Through a variety of techniques, Poet X has illuminated Theme Y.

2. Body Paragraphs Organize body paragraphs around specific examples of poetic devices, showing how they are used by the poet to "illuminate his/her theme". This is similar to the paragraph you have written for lit term assignments, although it won't be necessary to go through all the definitions and set up. Just go straight for the poetic devices and the effect (most important).

Topic Sentence

Context of first quote
First quote (citation).
Explanation of effect (how did the author use this technique?)

Context of second quote
Second quote
Explanation of effect (how did the author use this technique?)

Final thoughts, summary, conclusion of paragraph.

3. Final Touches - Add necessary elements to introduction and conclusion.

Introduction - Attention grabber or Central Idea ("Poet X's poem explores the idea of XYZ."), background information (title, author, paraphrase or summary of poem), thesis.

Conclusion - thesis, summary of basic points, reference to attention grabber.

You're done. Wasn't that easy?

If you have questions, be sure to post them here below. Either I, or someone else in the class, can answer the question you might have.

And now, a treat for you: