Writing About Poetry

Writing About Poetry

You are often asked to write a comparison for the poetry question: this means that you need to analyse two (or more) poems that are linked by a common theme by considering the similarities and the differences. You must ensure that you write about the two poems equally.

Introduction: Clearly state—by using the words of the question—what the focus of your essay is and which poems you intend to use (particularly if the question allows you to choose the poems). It is good practise to name both poets. Outline your main hypothesis: you can only do this in your introduction if you have planned what your main points are going to be!

e.g. In an age that is increasingly concerned with pollution and warfare, it comes as no surprise that Twentieth Century poetry might express views on these issues. Two such poems that convey the poet’s concerns about the destruction of nature are Gillian Clarke’s ‘Lament’ and Boey Kim Cheng’s ‘Report to Wordsworth’. These two poems share remarkably similar concerns about the effect of humankind’s actions on nature, particularly that of the sea: ‘Lament’ shows the impact of war on the animals of the ocean whilst ‘Report to Wordsworth’ is more concerned with pollution and how the oceans have become a toxic wasteland. Each poem uses a series of powerful images to convey a sense of the devastation nature faces at the hands of humankind.

Essay: The best way to write a comparative essay is to begin with your first poem (the one you listed first in your introduction) and analyse it in detail. You must divide your work into paragraphs—a new paragraph for each new line of thought. Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence*. You should aim to write at least 3 paragraphs for your first poem (using PEEL in each).

Once you have finished the first poem you can then analyse the second poem but this time you must remember to draw parallels between the two: connectives are a really easy way to do this (similarly, likewise/whereas, in contrast).

e.g. Similarly to Clarke, Cheng explores the destructive effects of man’s actions on the ocean however, he explores man’s thoughtless attitude regarding pollution, rather than war, to show how the oceans are becoming damaged…

Again you should aim to write about 3 paragraphs for this poem but refer briefly back to the first poem in each. Every paragraph should begin with a topic sentence and end with a link back to the question (think about each paragraph as needing an introduction and a conclusion of its own).

*Topic Sentences: You must start with a topic sentence which should clearly outline what the focus of the entire paragraph will be, and should be a strong, confident statement.

·  First paragraph - return to the title and your main argument.

·  Subsequent paragraphs - either refer back to your original title/thesis or link to the previous paragraph.

Try to avoid starting paragraphs in the same way.

Sample planning sheet

Introduction
·  Introduction of Texts and Topic Focus:
·  Thesis:
Paragraphs 1—2: First Poem
·  Topic Sentence
·  Point
·  Example/Explanation
·  Link back to title/question/thesis
Paragraphs 4—6: Second Poem
·  Topic sentence
·  Point
·  Example/Explanation (and comparison)
·  Link (and comparison)
Conclusion
·  Concluding statement
·  Key Similarities / Differences in treatment of topic
·  Author’s intention and response to how well aims have been achieved (try not to lapse into 1st person).

Planning is essential—you can not achieve effective topic sentences and linking statements if you do not know what you intend to say.