Note: Respond in at least 5 sentences. The answer needs to be written in complete sentences. Include at least 1 quote from each poem, “Pied Beauty” by Gerard Manley Hopkins and “Sonnet 43” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, to earn full credit and support your response. Use the chart below to compare the poem “Pied Beauty” by Gerard Manley Hopkins to “Sonnet 43” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning as a prewriting activity to answer the following essay question.
compare and contrast “Pied Beauty” by Gerard Manley Hopkins to “Sonnet 43” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Based on the prewriting activity, focus on structure, specifically word choice, mood, and tone.
"Pied Beauty" by Gerard Manley Hopkins focuses on the beauty found in the variety and diversity of nature, praising God for creating such a unique world. Hopkins uses vivid imagery and striking word choice to convey his admiration for the natural world, such as when he describes "rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim." This creates a joyful and optimistic mood, celebrating the richness and complexity of creation. The tone of the poem is one of reverence and gratitude towards God for the beauty of the world.
On the other hand, "Sonnet 43" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning expresses the depth and intensity of her love for her beloved, stating "I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life!" Browning's word choice is more intimate and personal, focusing on the emotions of love and devotion. The mood of the sonnet is passionate and heartfelt, capturing the depth of Browning's feelings for her beloved. The tone is one of absolute adoration and devotion, as Browning declares her love in vivid and heartfelt language.
In comparing the two poems, it is clear that both Hopkins and Browning use vivid word choice to convey their message, but while Hopkins focuses on the beauty of nature and the diversity of creation, Browning explores the intensity and depth of human emotion and love. Hopkins' poem has a celebratory and reverent tone, while Browning's sonnet conveys a passionate and emotional mood. Both poems use structure and word choice to evoke strong emotions in the reader, whether it be awe and gratitude for nature's beauty or deep love and devotion towards a beloved.