Compare and Contrast Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Compare and Contrast - Essay Example This means that; it is a poet’s place in society to act as an overseer, and point out the things that may be out of place. In the past, poets brought out the political injustices through satire. This art has extended to different fields. Also, poets have the ability to bring out different messages through the themes present in their poems. The themes offer them a chance to express what they might be feeling. As one of the oldest forms of art, poetry has its place in society as it gives individuals a chance to reinvent themselves, hence; be worthy in the eyes of society (Bloom 91). This paper will examine the theme brought out by two poets in their prime, and the comparisons and dissimilarities that occur in this theme. Walt Whitman and Federico Garcia are well-renowned poets who dedicated their skill to the world. During their era, a lot was happening in their immediate surroundings. They used their skill to communicate with individuals about what was happening to protect them , or assist them comprehend their situations. In, When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d, Whitman was bringing the world’s attention to the death of a great leader (Bloom 91). It was after the assassination of Lincoln that Whitman decided to write the poem, and bring out the theme of death. It was a poem of mourning where he mourned the passing of an icon. These poems are often described as elegies. It was pastoral elegy dedicated to the fallen hero, and all that he had done. In, Lament for Ignacio Sanchez Mejjas, Federico wrote about his beloved friend whom he cherished and adored (Arana 159). Federico mourned the passing of his friend through a long process of grief. The theme of death in both the poems is brought out in a traditional fashion by both poets. This is one similarity that stands out in both the poems. In Federico’s poem, he brings out the traditional aspect of the elegy. He brings the long process of grief through the poem about his departed acq uaintance. This symbolism takes precedence over the life and cultural traditions that accustom an honourable person in society. In Whitman’s poem, the traditional aspect is seen through the symbolism the poet puts in the fallen president. He uses the Western star to symbolise the fallen president, and a number of other symbolic features to represent the life of the star (Bloom 91). Both these deaths were of exemplary individuals; Lincoln in Whitman’s case, and Ignacio, the bullfighter, in Federico’s case. Another similarity that is brought out in these poems is the nature that surrounds the burial of the two dignified members of society. In Whitman’s poem, nature is said to have worn a sombre mood, â€Å"nature sympathizes with America’s grief†¦as the coffin makes its long journey from Washington to Springfield.† In Federico’s poem, he also resonates with the mood that was present at the burial of the fallen bullfighter, â€Å"t he room was iridescent with agony, at five in the afternoon.† It all comes down to what the poet wants the audience to feel. The sombre mood can be felt even as the audience may not have been present at the time of the burials (Arana 169). The experience that both poets have is seen through their ability to honour the dead. Musical elements are another similarity that both poets exhibit through their elegies. In Federico’s poem, he produces the image of bones and flutes resounding in the air (Arana 189). All these are elements that bring out an eerie feeling to whoever was watching the proceedings of the death of Ignacio. In Whitman’s poem, he reflects on the virtues of the lilacs and their magnificent presence. In many of American people’s gardens, the lilacs are flowers that are well known for their delicate