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Choose two poems you have studied that explore the same theme - Junior Cycle English - Question 2 - 2014
Question 2
Choose two poems you have studied that explore the same theme. (a) In the case of each of your chosen poems, explain what you learn about that theme. Support your a... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Choose two poems you have studied that explore the same theme - Junior Cycle English - Question 2 - 2014
Step 1
In the case of each of your chosen poems, explain what you learn about that theme.
Answer
For the first poem, I have chosen 'Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night' by Dylan Thomas. This poem explores the theme of death and the struggle against it. Through the use of imperative language, Thomas urges his father to fight against the inevitability of death, illustrating a poignant emotional conflict. The repeated refrains and vivid imagery emphasize both despair and hope, showing how the speaker seeks to understand and grapple with the loss of a loved one.
The second poem I selected is 'In Memoriam A.H.H.' by Alfred Lord Tennyson. This piece also addresses the theme of death, but in a more reflective manner. Tennyson expresses his grief and the process of mourning for his friend Arthur Hallam. Through rich and varied imagery, the poem explores the impact of loss on the human spirit, showcasing a gradual journey towards acceptance. The motifs of love and memory weave throughout Tennyson's verse, illustrating how remembrance can transcend death.
Step 2
Which of the two poems creates the more vivid picture in your mind? Explain your answer with reference to the poems.
Answer
When comparing the two poems, 'Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night' creates a more vivid picture in my mind. Thomas's use of stark imagery, such as 'rave' and 'burn,' evokes intense emotions and paints a dramatic battle against death. The structure of the poem, with its urgent imperative commands, heightens this urgency and draws the reader into the emotional turmoil experienced by the speaker.
In contrast, while Tennyson's 'In Memoriam A.H.H.' offers deep reflections on grief, the imagery is often more subdued and contemplative. Phrases like ‘the tides of time’ and references to nature convey a sense of ongoing loss but lack the immediate emotional impact that Thomas's poem achieves. Overall, Thomas's vivid and urgent language successfully immerses the reader in a visceral experience of the struggle against death, making it the more striking poem of the two.