GENERAL POETRY QUESTIONS
In all of the questions below you are asked to “compare and contrast” two poems. This means you must show similarities and differences between the two poems.
1. Choose two poems each of which is about a frightening experience. Compare and contrast the experience described in each poem, showing clearly why each poem affected you the way it did.
2. Choose two poems which deal with a relationship between two people which is at the point of change, or even crisis. Compare and contrast the relationships in the two poems and, by showing how the poet or poets use language, say which of the two poems you prefer.
3. Choose two poems which deal with one of the following subjects:
- The seasons
- Animals
- Trees and/or flowers
- The countryside.
Compare and contrast the way the subject is treated in the two poems and, with close reference to the way each poem is written, say which you prefer.
4. Choose two poems which you might use to illustrate the theme of Escape. Compare and contrast the kind of escape each poem deals with and, by referring closely to the way each is written, say which poem you prefer.
5. Choose two poems in which something violent happens. Compare and contrast the kind of violence in each poem, showing how the poet or poets use language to make the violence real and vivid to you.