Comparative Poetry Explication

Both Sylvia Plath’s “Metaphor” and Philip Larkin’s “Toads” use an extended metaphor that dominates the poem.  Write an essay that discusses how the poets use a pair of objects and/or concepts to communicate an idea.  Furthermore, discuss how the figurative language helps to communicate this idea with greater vividness or force than an ordinary, prosaic description could have achieved.

Writing Guidelines

§  Type.

§  Focus on answering the chosen topic clearly and succinctly.

§  Avoid mere plot summary.

§  Organize your essay effectively.

§  Support your ideas with textual evidence from both poems.

§  Your essay should be approximately 500-600 words


**Aidan, Freeland, and Rosii - prepare poetry assignment for tomorrow.