Lecture Notes: Comparing Poems - Winter Swans vs Neutral Tones

Introduction

• Essay Question Format: 'Compare how the poets present...'. The theme will often relate to love or romantic feelings.
• Selected Poems: Winter Swans and Neutral Tones both explore unhappiness as an obstacle in romantic relationships.
• Introduction Structure:
  • Highlight a similarity: Both poems deal with unhappiness in relationships.
  • Highlight a difference: One poem may end in resolution, the other in continuous depression.
• Goal: Introduce the main similarity and difference.

First Paragraph: Unhappy Relationships

• Use of Comparative Language: Utilize terms like "both" to emphasize comparisons.
• Methods Used: Pathetic fallacy and seasonal imagery to depict unhappy relationships.
• Winter Swans:
  • Pathetic fallacy introduced in the title hints at relationship struggles.
  • The use of winter implies harshness and finality.
• Neutral Tones:
  • Similar use of winter imagery to reflect coldness and lack of resolution in the relationship.
• Overall Point: Both poems use natural imagery to highlight the struggling state of the relationships.

Analysis of Methods

• Winter Swans:
  • Personification of weather ("clouds had given their all") creates bitterness and blame within the relationship.
  • Further imagery of "waterlogged earth" emphasizes the overwhelmed state.
• Neutral Tones:
  • The sun is stripped of warmth ("sun was white"), reflecting emptiness in the relationship.
  • Repetitive imagery of "gray leaves" emphasizes monotony and stagnation.

Second Paragraph: Resolution vs. Continuation

• Focus: Contrast between resolution and ongoing misery.
• Winter Swans:
  • Positive progression through similes ("like boats righting in rough weather") suggests eventual stability in the relationship.
  • Use of romantic couplet form hints at hope and resolution.
• Neutral Tones:
  • Cyclical nature and semantic field of death imply finality without resolution.
  • Imagery and language suggest an unattainable relationship.

Conclusion

• Summarize Similarity: Both poems explore turbulent relationships.
• Highlight Final Differences:
  • Winter Swans offers hope through resolution.
  • Neutral Tones remains trapped in sadness and irreparability.
• Overall Achievement: Essay scored 24/24 marks despite minor grammar errors.

Tips for Writing

• Essay Structure: Use paragraphs to compare multiple methods and quotes.
• Language and Terms: Use connective terms like "furthermore", "additionally", "possibly" to deepen analysis.
• Exam Strategy: Embed multiple pieces of evidence in each paragraph rather than one per quote.

Additional Resources

• Essay Plans: Available as videos for further learning and preparation.
• Live Streams: Will be available before exams for final reviews and tips.

Note: This essay is a useful resource for understanding how to compare poetry effectively, especially under exam conditions.