Example comparative paragraph:
R.S. Thomas' 'A Marriage' and Owen Sheers' 'Eclipse' are both about a loss of love. After looking at the poems in detail, compare and contrast how the two poets present these ideas.
Both poets have subtly manipulated the structure of their work to represent different ideas about loss of love. Firstly, Thomas structures his poem using one cohesive stanza. This amelioratively connotes a sense of togetherness and unity, typifying the strength and longevity of his relationship with this dying wife. Moreover, this is also reinforced by the regular use of caesura throughout, implying that their relationship was never paused or stopped, except in death. This presents love as so powerful and strong that nothing can cease it, a part from our inevitable death.
On the other hand, Sheers’ poem adheres to a contrasting form as it is made up of seven couplets. This might imply that he had a strong relationship with his partner as they belonged together like the lines, amelioratively connoting true love and security. However, Sheers later challenges his regular form by concluding his poem with a volta using a one-lined stanza. This is pivotal to his presentation of loss of love as the isolation of this line might indicate the transition of the speaker from a state of togetherness to separation. The abruptness of this change in form might represent the speaker’s surprise at the conclusion of the relationship, as they seemed to be so strong and bonded throughout. This contrasts Thomas’ presentation of loss of love as Sheers implies it is unanticipated and seemingly unjustified; whereas Thomas portrays love as subservient only to death.
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