Lit404 - Comparing 'The Prelude' and 'Storm on the Island''

Go through this guide to see how you can compare poems and write up a comparative two paragraphs. Read through the steps - then complete step 8 and 9.

Power of Nature

Comparing Poems - 'The Prelude' and 'Storm on the Island'

Both Heaney and Wordsworth show the overwhelming power of nature over mankind through a chaotic structure.

Step 1

Short introductory sentence to show the focus of the question in both poems - the power of nature.

Heaney shows the unpredictable power and nature of the storm to cause damage.

Step 2

Point about poem 1 'Storm on the Island' in relation to the focus of the question – power of nature.

He uses enjambment and a simile to describe how the sea ‘spits like a tamed cat/ Turned savage’.

Step 3

Give a direct quotation for evidence. Identify the method used by the poet.

The use of enjambment in the middle of the phrase shows the spontaneous nature of sea and how it can take us by surprise.

Step 4

Analyse the method in relation to the focus of the question - the power of nature. Think about how nature is shown as immensely powerful.

This could also mirror the attacks in the time of the Troubles. The vulnerable civilians were taken by surprise.

Step 5

Explain the relevant context in relation to the focus of the question - nature and power.

Similarly, Wordsworth shows the power of nature as overwhelming but in a psychological sense.

Step 6

Use a discourse marker to say how this is different or similar to poem 2 'The Prelude' and make a point about the poem in relation to the power of nature.

The speaker in the poem describes the mountain as 'a huge peak, black and huge'. These are strong adjectives to show the power of nature.

Step 7

Use a relevant quotation to show the power of nature. Identify the methods e.g. adjective . The speaker in the poem describes the mountain as '_______''

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Power of Nature

Now you are going to attempt to write the explanation for the second P.E.E paragraph and complete Steps 8 and 9 with support.

Step 8

Write an analytical comment about the quotation(s) and the methods.What is Wordsworth saying about the power of nature and how it impacts the speaker? Zoom in on words within the quotation. The adjective 'huge' is repeated and it suggests the idea that _________ It makes the speaker feel_______ The adjective 'black' has connotations of___________

Step 9

Add a contextual comment about Wordsworth as a Romantic poet and what the Romantic poets believed in and how they viewed God and nature. The Romantic poets believed in _______________ Wordsworth was ___________ The impact on the reader is________

Now you have completed your response. Be sure to check the feedback from your teacher!

Good Effort!