I guess I don't understand the question(why the quote presents contrast rather than comparison) my book is asking.
I'm new to this poetry thing, please help!
http://www.answers.com/comparison
http://www.answers.com/contrast
What is the difference between these two words? Until you understand the difference, as Bobpursley wrote below, you cannot begin to answer the question or find examples in the poem itself.
So please re-post, and let us know what you think the difference is between the two words -- "comparison" and "contrast."
This is the question from my book...
Why could one say that "Shall I compare Thee to a Summer's Day"? presents contrast rather than comparison?
contrast means difference between things
comparison is things that are similar
OK, now...
Go through the poem and find the places where the poet is pointing out differences. You should find that there are more of those than there are similarities.
In Shakespeare's sonnets, the first 8 lines are on his first topic; then the last 6 lines present a contrast. Do you see it?
--------------------
Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate.
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
And summer's lease hath all too short a date.
Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,
And often is his gold complexion dimm'd;
And every fair from fair sometime declines,
By chance or nature's changing course untrimm'd;
But thy eternal summer shall not fade
Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow'st;
Nor shall Death brag thou wander'st in his shade,
When in eternal lines to time thou grow'st:
So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,
So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.
I'm sorry I have a brain freeze, I really don't get it.
The line
But thy eternal summer shall not fade..
Is that difference, or similar? Now check the other lines.
Of course! Understanding the contrast or comparison in a quote can sometimes be a bit tricky, especially when it comes to poetry. To help you analyze the quote, here are a few steps you can follow:
1. Read the quote carefully: Start by reading the quote multiple times, paying attention to each word and phrase. Try to understand the literal meaning of the words and any emotions or ideas they convey.
2. Identify the elements being compared or contrasted: Look for any words or phrases that highlight similarities or differences within the quote. Comparisons typically involve words like "like" or "as," while contrasts often use words like "but," "however," or phrases that express opposing ideas.
3. Consider the context: Think about the larger context of the quote. What themes or ideas does it relate to in the poem? Is there a specific situation or emotion being referenced? Understanding the context can provide insights into why the writer chose to present a contrast rather than a comparison.
4. Explore the poetic devices: Pay attention to any poetic devices used in the quote, such as metaphors, similes, imagery, or symbolism. These devices often contribute to the contrasting or comparing elements in the quote and add depth to its meaning.
5. Interpret the contrast: Once you have analyzed the quote using the steps above, try to understand why the author chose to present a contrast rather than a comparison. Consider the impact of the contrast on the overall meaning of the poem. Does it create tension, emphasize a certain theme, or evoke particular emotions? Reflecting on these aspects can help you uncover the intention behind the contrast.
Remember, analyzing poetry is a subjective process, and different readers may have different interpretations. The key is to closely engage with the text, consider the author's choices, and explore the overall effect of the contrast or comparison in the quote.