Compare and contrast the role of nature and the natural world in two poems from this unit: Walt Whitman’s “Come Up from the Fields Father” and Sara Teasdale’s “There Will Come Soft Rains.” Be sure to use specific examples from both poems to support your response.
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Compare and contrast the role of nature and the natural world in two poems from this unit: Walt Whitman’s “Come Up from the Fields Father” and Sara Teasdale’s “There Will Come Soft Rains.” Be sure to use specific examples from both poems to support your response.
To compare and contrast the role of nature and the natural world in two poems, Walt Whitman's "Come Up from the Fields Father" and Sara Teasdale's "There Will Come Soft Rains," you can follow these steps:
1. Read and analyze the poems: Start by reading both poems carefully and identifying their themes and central ideas. Take note of any elements related to nature and the natural world.
2. Identify the role of nature in each poem: Look for specific instances where nature is mentioned or described in both poems. Pay attention to how nature contributes to the overall meaning and atmosphere of each piece. Consider which aspects of nature are emphasized and what symbolism they might carry.
3. Compare the utilization of nature: Compare how the two poets employ nature in their respective works. Do they use similar or different literary techniques? Consider the language, imagery, and metaphors used by both Whitman and Teasdale to express their perspective on nature.
4. Contrast the portrayal of nature: Identify any contrasting elements in the portrayal of nature between the two poems. Look for differences in tone, perspective, or the emotional response to nature. Consider whether nature is celebrated, feared, or seen as indifferent in each poem.
For Walt Whitman's "Come Up from the Fields Father," focus on the following points:
- Nature as a source of comfort: The poem describes the natural environment surrounding the family farm, which serves as a refuge and solace for the protagonist amidst the war. Lines like "The wild gander leads his flock through the cool night" emphasize the soothing effect of nature during difficult times.
- Nature as a contrast to the horrors of war: While the protagonist's return from war is filled with sorrow and despair, nature remains peaceful and beautiful. The poem juxtaposes scenes of nature's serenity, such as "sweet sap of the gum-tree" and "the floods of the yellow gold of the gorgeous, indolent, sinking sun" with the tragedy of war.
For Sara Teasdale's "There Will Come Soft Rains," focus on the following points:
- Nature's resilience and indifference: The poem depicts a world where humans have vanished, but nature continues to thrive. The soft rains, swallows, and daisies symbolize the persistence of nature despite human absence. The lines "Not one would mind, neither bird nor tree / If mankind perished utterly" highlight nature's indifference to humanity's fate.
- Nature as a symbol of eternity: Teasdale emphasizes the cyclical nature of the seasons and the continuity of life. The poem suggests that even without humans, nature will endure and renew itself. The phrase "And spring herself, when she woke at dawn / Would scarcely know that we were gone" underscores the enduring power of nature.
By following these steps and examining specific examples, you should be able to compare and contrast the role of nature in Walt Whitman's "Come Up from the Fields Father" and Sara Teasdale's "There Will Come Soft Rains."