Comparing how poets explore relationships | Starter Quiz | Oak National Academy

When we ___ two poems, we look at the similarities and differences between them.

Answer explanation

When comparing poetry we don't just need to look at the similarities OR differences. We should be looking at both!

Comparative connectives signpost when we are comparing. Identify the comparative connectives.

• firstly

• however

• finally

• likewise

Answer explanation

Words and phrases like: however, but, on the other hand, equally, both and as well as are all great for signposting our comparison and making it really clear if we are exploring a similarity or difference.

Dove's 'Cozy Apologia' mocks __________ expressions of love.

• realistic

• cliched

• everyday

Answer explanation

'Cozy Apologia' mocks overused and cliched expressions of love and celebrates the everyday love experienced instead.

Duffy's 'Valentine' is an ___ presentation of love.

Answer explanation

In 'Valentine' Duffy avoids the cliches of traditional love poety and instead subverts the conventions to present an unconventional view of love.

Barrett Browning's 'Sonnet 43' presents __________ view of love.

• a realistic

• a pessimistic

• an idealistic

Answer explanation

Barrett Browning's idealistic presentation of her love for her future husband, Robert Browning, suggests that her love for him is bountiful and unstoppable, even after death.

To look at subtle differences and similarities when comparing poetry means ...

• to look at all the similarities and differences between the poems

• to look at the obvious similarities and differences between the poems

• to look at the less obvious similarities and differences between the poems

Answer explanation

Looking at the subtleties between the poems will help you explore the poems more thoughtfully.