In a comparison of poems it is a matter of comparing two or more lyric texts (poems) with one another. Thus the simple poem analysis gets an additional level and can give further impulses for the discussion. In principle, works are used which can be compared with one another in some way and have certain similarities.
The poem analysis is the basis of poem comparison. This means that the approach must be clear. Those who do not know how to analyze a poem will be tempted to compare two different works. For this we need the knowledge of a previous analysis or interpretation. We can compare these findings in the next step.
Poems can be compared due to various features. It is rare that a comparison requires a comparison of all aspects. This would not be possible in numerous examinations or abitur exams. Therefore, a poem comparison is mostly aspect oriented. This means that individual features in the poems are examined and compared and compared.
There are three ways to compare a poem with another. For which we decide to write, is usually left to us. We distinguish between the following procedures:
The three possible methods for poem comparison
1. Analysis of poem B, then poem A, then poem comparison
2. Analysis of poem A, then poem B comparing (diachronic method)
3. Comparative poem analysis of both poems (synchronous method)
In principle, it is up to us which method is chosen. However, some tasks point to what is to be applied → tasks of the poem comparison.
Note: In the following, we would like to introduce you to the three procedures in more detail. In addition, we give tips on how to work in examination situations.
Composition of a poem comparison
Before you write, it is important to prepare yourself. Read both texts, highlight important textual points, and try to avoid any confusion.
In the following, we would like to introduce you to the structure of all three procedures and to provide some general information on these. So before you decide to build it, it is important that you find out which method to use or which is best suited for your poem comparison.
Method I: poem analysis, then poem comparison
In this method the first poem is analyzed and then the second. We then compare the findings and write a poem comparison. This method costs a lot of time, but in return is the simplest. We first edit the one poem, then the other, and then, by means of the comparative aspects, look at both texts again.
Construction of the first method
Poem A
Introduction (title, author, year of publication, type of poem, interpretation hypothesis)
Main part (formal poem analysis, stylistic means, rhyme scheme, etc.)
Conclusion (Summary of the analysis, Literaturepoche → justify)
Poem B
Introduction (title, author, year of publication, type of poem, interpretation hypothesis)
Main part (formal poem analysis, stylistic means, rhyme scheme, etc.)
Conclusion (Summary of the analysis, Literaturepoche → justify)
Comparison between A and B
content comparison
formal comparison
linguistic / stylistic comparison
Note: If the task specifies an aspect or requires you to examine the poems on the basis of these motifs, this should be emphasized.
Method II: Diachronic poem comparison
In the case of the diachronic method, the interpretation of the first text is first developed, whereupon the second is taken as a supplementary text with reference to the comparison aspect (eg, nature motifs, love motifs, etc.). By this method, the interpretation of the first text can be extended by certain insights. In this case, we concentrate on the comparative aspects.
Construction of the second method
Poem A
Introduction (title, author, year of publication, type of poem, interpretation hypothesis)
Main part (formal poem analysis, stylistic means, rhyme scheme, etc.)
Conclusion (Summary of the analysis, Literaturepoche → justify)
Poem B and poem comparison
concise analysis of the form (supplementary analysis)
Afterwards the aspects of the poem, which are offered for poem comparison, are selected. It is therefore only processed, which is relevant for the task position
Note: If the task specifies an aspect or requires you to examine the poems on the basis of these motifs, this should be emphasized.
Method III: Synchronous poem comparison
In the case of synchronous poem comparison, the main focus is on the selected aspects. Here, the poems are examined simultaneously, whereby feature for feature or aspect by aspect is worked out and compared with each other. Thus, this method proceeds from the comparative aspects, alternately showing how this or that is represented in poem A and poem B.
Construction of the third method
Poem A and B
Introduction (title, author, year of publication, type of poem, interpretation hypothesis)
Main part (formal poem analysis, stylistic means, rhyme scheme, etc.)
Conclusion (summary of the analysis)
Central similarities / differences
Comparison of authors
Comparison of epochs
Comparison of intentions
Note: It is crucial to examine the poems in parallel. This means that the aspects mentioned must always be examined for both works and then referred to one another.
