Comparative Literary Essay

Grade 11

1. Create a comparative draft for the essay question 

QUESTION

In the poems ‘An African Thunderstorm’ and ‘Sonnet composed upon Westminster Bridge’ the speakers is impressed with the majesty of nature. Write an essay in which you describe the scene witnessed in each poem and each speaker’s reaction to that scene. You must also comment on the effective use of one poetic device in each poem.

2. See the draft below, now complete the essay with needed substantiation and explanations.

Poetry is an intentional expression in succinct form. Poets use words strategically like a weaving process. Robert Rubadiri born in Malawi uses his poem to evoke awareness to the effect of the west invasion on Africa and William Wordsworth in the 19^th century used his petrachan sonnet to reflect on his observation of a beautiful London morning. Both poets revolve around the theme of nature. An African thunderstorm is a poem that deals with the theme man versus nature and it is centred in a village in Africa. The poem is about a harsh impending storm that is coming to strike the village. Composed upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802 is William Wordsworth's sonnet to the capital city of London, written before the full effects of the industrial revolution had reached the metropolis. Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy were on their way to the port of Dover in July 1802, en route for Paris.

Both poets use imageries to highlight the readers’ interpretation of the scenes created. Firstly, the explicit meaning found in an “African Thunderstorm” pinpointed the weather condition. The wind which is identified in stanza has brought a cold temperature, tossing of things and having adults and children running about. The rain also came with the wind as darkness covered the village from the ‘pregnant clouds’.  The strength of the wind is intense as it moved objects easily. Meanwhile, the clouds are appearing dangerous above as the trees must give in “bend” to make it pass. The people from the village react to this sudden change: children are excited while women are being assaulted by the wind as their clothes become tattered and exposed all their “breasts”. Confusion, fear and naive excitement was the result.

In Wordsworth poem, he reflected on his appreciation of the atmosphere on an early morning, “smokeless air” before the town was awakened. Wordsworth observed London from Westminster Bridge where he identified ‘ships’, ‘towers’, ‘domes’, ‘ theatres’, and ‘temples’, all the features that make the town beautiful and spectacular. He was enjoying the site as it brought in him a ‘serenity and peace’.

Each speaker reacted in a different way to the environment. Rubadiri used his alarming tone to connote the catastrophe or ‘dilemma’ that struck the village. The reader ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Wordsworth on the other hand had an opposite reaction, he was smitten with the scene that he observed. His calm tone created a mood of fulfilment as he explained..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Lastly, both poets used particular devices. Rubadiri make use of symbolism as his main device.  

  Wordsworth in his blissful appreciation uses personification to highlight his feelings.

In conclusion, both poets delve in the same thematic concern of nature. Both