How can a hymn to the evening by Phillis Wheatley be compared with composed upon West minister bridge?
Come up with two comparisons for language and two comparisons for structure
Language Comparisons:
1. Both poems employ rich and descriptive language to depict the beauty of the natural world. In "A Hymn to the Evening," Wheatley uses phrases such as "the golden Sun" and "the glitt'ring star" to evoke vivid imagery of dusk and the night sky. Similarly, in "Composed upon Westminster Bridge," Wordsworth uses words like "smokeless air," "bright" and "majesty" to capture the serene and awe-inspiring view of the city at sunrise.
2. Both poems incorporate religious or spiritual language to convey a sense of wonder and praise. Wheatley, being an African-American poet, explores her Christian faith in "A Hymn to the Evening." She references God and describes nature as a divine creation. Likewise, Wordsworth in "Composed upon Westminster Bridge" uses religious imagery by referring to the city as "the ships, the towers, the domes, the theatres, and temples" which, when combined, create a "mighty heart" that feels "at peace with all below."
Structure Comparisons:
1. Both poems are written in the form of a sonnet, containing fourteen lines with a specific rhyme scheme. Wheatley's "A Hymn to the Evening" follows the ABAB rhyme scheme in the octet, then switches to CDEDCE in the sestet. Similarly, Wordsworth's "Composed upon Westminster Bridge" adheres to the ABBAABBACDCDCD rhyme scheme. This structured form adds a sense of control and balance to both poems.
2. Both poems also display a shift in tone and perspective within their structure. In "A Hymn to the Evening," the poem begins with a melancholic tone, describing the fading light and approaching darkness. However, in the sestet, the tone shifts to a more hopeful and optimistic outlook, as Wheatley focuses on the beauties of the night and finds solace in nature. Similarly, in "Composed upon Westminster Bridge," Wordsworth starts with a reflective and contemplative tone, appreciating the stillness of the city. Yet, towards the end of the poem, the tone becomes more celebratory, as he declares that never before has he seen a more magnificent view. This shift in tone within the structure adds depth and complexity to both poems.
Is a hymn to the evening a sonnet
No, "A Hymn to the Evening" by Phillis Wheatley is not a sonnet. It is a poem consisting of multiple quatrains with an ABAB rhyme scheme. A sonnet typically consists of fourteen lines with a specific rhyme scheme, such as an ABAB CDCD EFEF GG rhyme scheme in the case of a Shakespearean sonnet.
Can a comparisons be a similarity
Yes, a comparison can highlight both similarities and differences between two subjects. In fact, comparing similarities can help provide a comprehensive understanding of the two subjects being examined.
What is different about the structure in both poems
What is the sane
Difference in Structure:
In terms of structure, "A Hymn to the Evening" by Phillis Wheatley is composed of four quatrains with an ABAB rhyme scheme. Each quatrain presents a separate idea or image related to the evening and nightfall, allowing the poem to progress in a straightforward manner.
On the other hand, "Composed upon Westminster Bridge" by William Wordsworth is a sonnet with a carefully structured form. It consists of an octave (the first eight lines) and a sestet (the last six lines). The octave presents an observation or description of the scene on Westminster Bridge, while the sestet provides a reflection or contemplation on the scene. This structure allows for a more focused and balanced exploration of the poet's thoughts and emotions.
Similarity in Structure:
Both poems adhere to a specific rhyme scheme, adding a sense of order and musicality to their verses. "A Hymn to the Evening" follows an ABAB rhyme scheme, while "Composed upon Westminster Bridge" follows an ABBAABBACDCDCD rhyme scheme. This similarity in structure contributes to the rhythmic flow and coherence of both poems.
Explain how one is a sonnet and the other is not
"Composed upon Westminster Bridge" by William Wordsworth is a sonnet, specifically a Petrarchan or Italian sonnet. It consists of 14 lines divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines). The rhyme scheme of the octave is ABBAABBA, while the sestet follows a rhyme scheme of CDCDCD or CDECDE.
In contrast, "A Hymn to the Evening" by Phillis Wheatley does not adhere to the traditional structure of a sonnet. Instead, it is composed of four quatrains, each consisting of four lines, with an ABAB rhyme scheme. This poem does not have the specific structure and rhyme scheme associated with sonnets, thereby distinguishing it from the sonnet structure found in "Composed upon Westminster Bridge."