Poem: _____________The High School Band_____________ Author: ________Reed

Whittemore__________________ Your Name: ________________Miranda Mishaan_

TP-CASTT Poetry Analysis

TITLE: Consider the title and make a prediction about what the poem is about.
A High School band and what its like being in one

PARAPHRASE: Translate the poem line by line into your own words on a literal level. Look for
complete thoughts (sentences may be inverted) and look up unfamiliar words.
When the band plays in the fall everything is well and happy
Even when it marches its good
But after the school year, the same people to come back

CONNOTATION: Examine the poem for meaning beyond the literal. Look for figurative language,
imagery, and sound elements.
Empty except for the leaves that descend to no drum. And lie still

ATTITUDE/TONE: Notice the speakers tone and attitude. Humor? Sarcasm? Awe?
They are trying to deliver a message about life and death, and how all things will come to an end

SHIFTS: Note any shifts or changes in speaker or attitude. Look for key words, time change,
punctuation.

To its study halls leaving our streets

TITLE: Examine the title again, this time on an interpretive level.

There is new generations coming and going, and its hard when the current one dies off.

THEME: Briefly state in your own words what the poem is about (subject), then what the poet is
saying about the subject (theme).
This poem is about accepting that everything in life will come to an end.