Using the two poems of your choosing, write a clear, concise, two hundred and fifty word essay that compares and contrasts the two poems. Make sure you include at least two of the following to support your thesis: tone, point of view, literary devices, and meter.

For notable details about each poem, refer to the chart below.

"Tell me, O Swan"
Possible prompts:

How does philosophy influence literature?
What were Kabir’s beliefs?
How were they reflected in his poems?
“The Swan”
Possible prompts:

How does this poem resemble an approach to life?
How can finding your element transform you into a swan?
“Spanish Dancer”
Possible prompts:

What is the impact of the sense of immediacy and/or visual details?
“Your Laughter”
Possible prompts:

What poetic devices does the poet use to convey his devotion for his lover?
What is the impact of the use of informal tone and/or metaphor?
“Birthplace”
Possible prompts:

Describe the use of the concept of shame/the role of women.
How does the poet inject her cultural experience into the poem?
“It’s This Way”
Possible prompts:

Analyze the point of view or the use of metaphor.
With what is the poet struggling?
“Counting Small-boned Bodies”
Possible prompts:

How does satire convey the poet’s attitude?
How can poetry teach us about historical events?
What can you infer about the poet’s opinion of the Vietnam conflict?