How to compare and contrast poems

When comparing and Contrasting Poems:

1. You look at the similarities and differences in the presentation of those poems.
2. You can even begin by looking at the tittle eg whether its general or particular for example Music(general) or Tuku’s Music(Particular)
3. Look at whether a certain topic is linked to the theme or is it not linked at all.
4. Comment on the poet’s use of devices as in the first poem and in the second poem eg The similarities used in it. poem A are original whereas those used in poem B are ordinary-cliches.
5. Comment on the diction eg- Diction used in A is simple, straight forward whereas used in B is complex and require extra analysis for the reader to come up with the meaning.
6. Comment on rhyme scheme as well as the rhythm, pauses- long and short sentences, atmosphere, tone etc.
7. whether the narrator/poet is involved or detached.
8. You can also state which poem you enjoyed most and why?

In the following example, i am going to compare and contrast the poems”Everyone sang” and “Music”

 

Everyone Sang

1.The tittle is literal

2.Singing/music makes the poet happy.

3.”EVERYONE” is capitalized which could show that a lot of people where involved and brings out the issue of oneness.

4.The joy within the poet is compared to a set free bird which creates visual imagery(real imagery of a bird).

5.Use of bird imagery showing freedom.

6.Digression.. description of a bird but the poet does not loose focus and in line 7 he brings us back to the issue by using “everyone”.

7.Beauty associated with music “beauty came like the setting sun”.

8.Music causes emotions which contradicts with beauty.

9.Irregular rhyme- ab abb.

Music

1.Also literal but a bit detached.

2.Music makes the poet get into dreamland.

3.”WHEN” is capitalized to show what happens when music sounds putting emphasis on what happens and the person is filled with ecstasy.

4.Poet gets into dreamland in which the earth changes-line 1.Imagery is visual ‘ flowers in flame’ – unreal imagery.

5Use of bird imagery “swift winged hours” to show the passing of time which sort of affects the joy of the poet.

6.Digression – the lifting of branches,Naiads but this beauty is still associated to music and the poet always bring us back in every stanza’s starting line”when music sounds”.

7Beauty also associated to beautiful “flower”.

8.Music causes helplessness as in first stanza ‘thinks about death’.

9.Regular rhyme- aabbcc

By: T.Titus Nyakudyara
Twitter: @NyakudyaraTitus