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 in order to answer the following essay question.
What elements make one of the poems sound more like normal speech? Which one and why? Explain. Use the chart you completed above to help you write your response.
In comparing "Pied Beauty" by Gerard Manley Hopkins to "Sonnet 43" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, it is clear that "Sonnet 43" sounds more like normal speech.
One element that contributes to this difference is the rhyme scheme. "Sonnet 43" follows a more traditional rhyme scheme of ABBA ABBA CDCDCD, which is commonly seen in sonnets and other forms of poetry. This structured rhyme scheme mimics the natural flow of speech and is easier for readers to follow. In contrast, "Pied Beauty" has a more irregular rhyme scheme and does not follow a consistent pattern, which can make it sound less like normal speech.
Additionally, the language and diction used in "Sonnet 43" is more straightforward and accessible compared to the more complex and ornate language used in "Pied Beauty." Barrett Browning's use of simple and direct language in "Sonnet 43" makes it easier for readers to understand and relate to, further enhancing its resemblance to normal speech.
Overall, the rhyme scheme and language used in "Sonnet 43" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning contribute to its more conversational and natural tone compared to "Pied Beauty" by Gerard Manley Hopkins.