Week 9 Project Action Plan

Compare and contrast elements of two different texts. For example, explore the similarities and differences between two characters in the texst, or examine how one theme is handled in similar and dissimilar ways in two different texts. 

You may choose from any of the readings we have done this semester including poetry, short fiction, and drama. You may also choose two texts from two different genres to write about (a poem and a short story, for example). 

I've decided to choose prompt one for my second project. This prompt requires us to choose two readings and explore similarities/differences between them in regards to theme/literary devices etc. I've decided to discuss the following two poems which focus on the relationship between humanity and nature: "1593" by Emily Dickinson and "Stanzas Written in Dejection" by Percy Bysshe Shelley. It's interesting to note while these two poems focus on nature (and evoking imagery through metaphor and other literary devices), they more-so use the subject of nature to delve into humanity. These poems revolve around human's interaction with nature; displaying how they both resemble and do not resemble each other. "1593" by Emily Dickinson discusses the circumstances surrounding a chaotic storm, and how humans interact with such chaos. Dickinson seems to acknowledge the frailty of humans against such natural power, and how regardless of what happens to us, nature continues on.

"Stanzas Written in Dejection" by Percy Bysshe Shelley discusses nature as well, but from a peaceful standpoint. A majority of the poem describes the beauty surrounding an individual, from the beautiful skies, water and beach around. It turns out the beauty of nature surrounding the narrator doesn't represent the turmoil within. The narrator is struggling within and the rest of the poem discusses the lack of correlation between the narrator and his feelings inside. These two poems use the subject of nature as a jumping point to discuss humanities relationship to both, from a physical and mental standpoint.

Working Thesis: While I enjoy both poems immensely, when comparing natures connection to humanity in both "1593" by Emily Dickinson and "Stanzas Written in Dejection" by Percy Bysshe Shelley, Shelley is able to more clearly display this relationship through imagery/metaphor and juxtaposition.