Model
Structure – Section C Comparative Essay
Introduction: Briefly outline the connections and links
you have identified between the moods, themes and ideas created in the six poems
we have studied
Main Point
1: The excitement, naivety, innocence
and purity of childhood
SP1: Excitement and naivety created
in ‘Half Past Two’ and ‘Hide and Seek’
SP2: The more subtle sense of innocence
and purity implied in ‘Prayer Before Birth’, ‘A Mother
in a Refugee Camp’ and ‘Once Upon a Time’
Main Point 2: The sense that the
innocence of childhood is under threat from the harsh reality of the real or adult
world
SP1: The very real, horrific and
inhuman conditions in the refugee camps in
SP2: In contrast the threats in
‘Prayer Before Birth’ appear to be more universal (not
just for children) and more abstract – e.g. loss of identity and individuality
SP3: Similarly, Okara explores more generally the loss of cultural identity
and genuine human emotional connection as a result of aging and (possibly) westernization
Main Point 3: However, all
three poets are similar in that they create an image of a better ‘other life’
in order to accentuate their criticisms of modern society
SP1: Achebe …
SP2: Whereas MacNeice …
SP3: While Okara…
SP4: However, ultimately Okara seems to view the purity of childhood as a source of
salvation rather than something threatened and in need of protection
Main Point 4: The impression is
created that the bond between mother and child is precious
SP1:
SP2: Similarly, Achebe…
SP3: However,
SP4: Whereas …
Conclusion: Which poem was the most effective /
powerful and why
Your Task:
·
The above plan is a list of some of
the Points you might like to make in your essay.
·
Firstly you will need to complete
the missing subpoints / main points. Feel free to
replace any of the above points with ideas of your own as this plan is just a
guide rather than a strict set of rules you have to stick to.
·
Now you have to find Evidence
to support each of these subpoints and Explain the effect that each of those quotations /
pieces of evidence has on the audience.
·
Remember to look for more than one
piece of evidence to support each point and to demonstrate how each of those
different pieces of evidence is working together to create the same effect.
·
Remember too that some quotations
are ambiguous: they can be interpreted in more than one way. If you find some
quotations like that take the time to investigate each separate interpretation
and explain how each one contributes to the overall feeling of the poem.
·
You should also try to include as
many different kinds of evidence as possible. Don’t just focus on the
connotations of words but additionally look at the poet’s use of sound effects,
rhyme, rhythm, line length, stanza length, punctuation, pronouns, tone of
voice, pathetic fallacy, enjambment, end-stopping, foregrounding, etc. Remember
to use the technical terms for each of these different features correctly.