Compare the poems by Szymborska and Milosz read over the course of this unit. All are important twentieth century writers addressing a similar theme: death. Which poet addresses it in terms of the times he lived in (and its threat of fascism), and which addresses it in a more personal way Characterize each poet's treatment of this theme. Cite evidence from the poems if possible .
In comparing the poems by Wisława Szymborska and Czesław Miłosz read over the course of this unit, it becomes evident that both poets address the theme of death, but in different ways. Szymborska’s treatment of death is more personal, reflecting on the individual experience, while Miłosz addresses it in terms of the times he lived in and the threat of fascism.
Szymborska’s poem, "Nothing Twice," explores the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. She presents death as an existential reality that applies to every individual, emphasizing the uniqueness and irreplaceability of each life. The personal quality of her treatment is evident in lines such as, "It won’t be the same again...even the smallest lament takes us further than the lost prime, and in darkening terror the apples hang before us…" These lines show the poet’s reflection on the passing moments of life and the fear of losing the experience of those moments.
On the other hand, Miłosz’s poem, "Campo dei Fiori," addresses death in the context of the times he lived in, specifically during the threat of fascism. The poem explores the destruction of Warsaw’s Jewish ghetto during World War II and reflects on the apathy of the people towards the horrors taking place. Miłosz characterizes death as not only the physical loss of life but also the loss of empathy and humanity. He writes, "The whistling missiles... are birds that in the morning wake us merely to witness the massacre....it was not an execution on command but a joyous Christian spring festival…" These lines illustrate Miłosz's portrayal of how death is manipulated and celebrated by the ruling fascist regime.
In summary, Szymborska’s treatment of the theme of death is more personal, emphasizing the individual experience and the fear of losing moments of life. On the other hand, Miłosz addresses death in the larger context of the times he lived in and the threat of fascism, revealing the tragic consequences of apathy and the manipulation of death. The evidence from the poems supports these characterizations by highlighting the different perspectives and focuses of each poet.