Write A 250-Word Minimum Response To The Writing Prompt Belo
Write a 250 Word Minimum Response To The Writing Prompt Belowyou Mu
Write a comparison of two poets from the antebellum period, Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman, using poems from the assigned reading. The response should include at least three terms defined in the Week 1 Poetry Lecture, and analyze the poets’ purpose in writing. Discuss the messages they aim to convey in their poetry and evaluate whether they are successful. State which poet you prefer and explain why. Use only the assigned texts, quoting, citing, and referencing appropriately in APA format.
Paper For Above instruction
Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman stand as two prominent literary figures of the antebellum period, each embodying contrasting poetic styles and themes that reflect their unique worldviews and objectives. Using the poems "These are the days when Birds come back" by Dickinson and "Crossing Brooklyn Ferry" by Whitman, one can observe significant differences in form, tone, and purpose.
From the Poetry Lecture, three key terms—diction, tone, and imagery—aid in understanding their poetry. Dickinson’s diction is succinct and precise, often filled with slant rhymes and abstract language that evoke introspection ("These are the days when Birds come back," describes a cyclical return of nature and life). Whitman’s tone is expansive and inclusive, evident in lines like "One’s-self I sing," emphasizing individuality within the collective ("Crossing Brooklyn Ferry" explores shared human experiences across time and space). Their imagery vividly portrays themes of renewal and connection.
The purpose of Dickinson’s poetry appears to probe the interior life, emphasizing personal reflection and the spiritual nature of existence. Conversely, Whitman seeks to celebrate democracy, unity, and the transcendental spirit of America. Both are successful in their endeavors, with Dickinson’s ambiguity inviting self-interpretation and Whitman’s egalitarian voice inspiring collective identity.
Personally, I prefer Whitman because of his optimistic tone and unifying message. His poetry fosters a sense of hope and belonging, resonating deeply amid societal upheaval. In contrast, Dickinson’s introspection, though profound, feels more reserved.
References:
Gura, P., Baym, N., Franklin, W., Krupat, A., Levine, R., Klinkowitz, J., Wallace, P. (Eds.). (2013). The Norton anthology of American literature (8th ed.). W. W. Norton & Company.
Whitman, W. (1855). Crossing Brooklyn Ferry. In W. Franklin (Ed.), The Norton anthology of American literature (8th ed., pp. ).
Dickinson, E. (1890). These are the days when Birds come back. In W. Franklin (Ed.), The Norton anthology of American literature (8th ed., pp. ).