Comparing two poems can be a rewarding and enriching exercise for both writers and readers. It allows us to understand the similarities and differences between the two works, and can provide insight into the themes, techniques, and intentions of the poets. Here are some steps you can follow when comparing two poems:
Read and re-read the poems carefully: Make sure you have a thorough understanding of each poem before you begin comparing them. Pay attention to the structure, language, imagery, and tone of each work.
Identify the themes of the poems: What is each poem about? What message is the poet trying to convey? Consider the subject matter, the emotions evoked, and the overall message of each poem.
Look at the structure and form of the poems: How are the poems organized? Do they have a specific rhyme scheme or meter? How do the lengths and structures of the poems contribute to their meaning and impact?
Analyze the language and imagery used: What words and phrases does the poet use to convey their message? How do these words and phrases contribute to the overall tone and theme of the poem? Consider the connotations, denotations, and figurative language used in each work.
Compare the tone of the poems: How does the poet's use of language, imagery, and structure contribute to the overall tone of the poem? Is one poem more serious, lighthearted, or melancholic than the other?
Consider the context in which the poems were written: What was the social and cultural context in which the poems were written? How might this context have influenced the themes and techniques used by the poets?
Reflect on your own reactions to the poems: What do you personally think of each poem? Do you have a preference between the two? Why or why not?
By following these steps, you can gain a deeper understanding of the two poems you are comparing and how they relate to each other. Keep in mind that there is no right or wrong way to compare poems – the most important thing is to engage with the works in a thoughtful and critical manner.
The poem "Drifters" by Bruce Dawe is a powerful and thought-provoking portrayal of the lives of soldiers and the impact of war on their families and communities. Through the use of vivid imagery and poignant language, Dawe highlights the cyclical nature of war and the devastating effects it has on those who are caught in its grip.
The poem begins with a simple yet striking image: "The young men/drifting into town". This line immediately establishes the theme of movement and drift, both literally and metaphorically. The soldiers are described as "drifting", suggesting a sense of aimlessness and lack of direction. This is further emphasized by the fact that they are "into town", implying that they have no specific destination or purpose.
As the poem progresses, Dawe uses vivid imagery and sensory details to convey the raw, brutal realities of war. The soldiers are described as "brown and battered", their faces "haggard" and "taut with strain". These descriptions paint a vivid picture of the physical and emotional toll that war takes on the soldiers, who are reduced to little more than shells of their former selves.
In the second stanza, Dawe shifts his focus to the families and communities of the soldiers. He describes how the mothers and fathers of the soldiers "weep and wait", their hearts "aching for their boys". This image captures the sense of loss and longing that the families of soldiers feel, as they wait anxiously for news of their loved ones.
The final stanza of the poem brings the theme of the cyclical nature of war to the forefront. Dawe describes how the soldiers will eventually "drift back" to their homes, but warns that they will "drift away again" when the next war breaks out. This cycle of drift and return is depicted as a never-ending cycle, with no end in sight.
Overall, "Drifters" is a poignant and powerful portrayal of the impact of war on soldiers and their families. Through vivid imagery and poignant language, Dawe captures the raw, brutal realities of war and the devastating effects it has on those caught in its grip. The cyclical nature of war is depicted as a never-ending cycle, with no end in sight, leaving the reader with a sense of despair and hopelessness.
