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Re-read A Complaint - Edexcel - GCSE English Literature - Question 8 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 8
Re-read A Complaint. Choose one other poem from the Relationships anthology. Compare how loss is presented in the two poems. In your answer, you should consider th... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Re-read A Complaint - Edexcel - GCSE English Literature - Question 8 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Compare how loss is presented in A Complaint and My Last Duchess
Answer
In both poems, loss is a central theme, yet it is presented through different lenses.
Language and Imagery
In Wordsworth's 'A Complaint', the poet uses simple yet profound language to convey feelings of loss. Phrases like 'my fond heart, hath made me poor' illustrate a deep emotional deprivation that connects deeply with personal loss. The imagery here is intimate and reflective, focusing on the loss of love and the emotional void it creates.
Conversely, in Browning's 'My Last Duchess', loss is depicted through the lens of power and control. The Duke's words about his late wife reveal a possessive nature, where he laments her death but also reflects on his need for control over her life and legacy. The Duke's statement about the painting of his duchess shows how he curates her memory, rather than genuinely mourning her loss.
Structure and Form
'A Complaint' employs a conversational tone, using a regular rhyme scheme that reflects the steady flow of thought and emotion. This structure helps convey the speaker's sorrow in a personal and relatable way.
In contrast, 'My Last Duchess' is written in the form of a dramatic monologue, allowing Browning to explore themes of jealousy and power. The enjambment in the poem gives a sense of interruption and urgency, which mirrors the Duke’s obsessive character and his inability to unspool the full emotional depth of his loss.
Contextual Influences
Wordsworth wrote at a time when Romantic ideals emphasized individual emotion and nature, leading to a more introspective view on loss. In contrast, Browning was influenced by Victorian concerns with social status and power dynamics, which shifts the focus from personal grief to the implications of loss on social identity.
Conclusion
Ultimately, while both poems address loss, Wordsworth’s 'A Complaint' reveals a poignant and intimate expression of personal sorrow, whereas Browning’s 'My Last Duchess' presents loss as a spectacle intertwined with themes of power and possession.