Poems Comparison Essay Example

Poetry expresses different feelings and ideas, and it forms the basis of motivation through written words. For humans, having the appropriate explanation and taking the proper actions is critical, as it is only via the compensation of these that desired outcomes may be achieved. The three poems chosen follow a similar pattern and center on the concepts of motivation, perseverance in the face of adversity, and how one must shape one's activities to assure the ultimate success. While the poems' main subjects are similar, their delivery varies. Metaphors and images are frequently used elements that contribute to the appropriate weighting of each verse. The poets have developed the issue of motivation and approaching one's goals decisively using imagery and symbolism, aided by other literary strategies.

Jimmy Santiago's poetry "Cloudy Day" focuses on a real-life occurrence and how it shaped him toward a transformation in himself and his life. The poem details the plight of a human being who has been imprisoned and is currently serving time in prison. The poem contrasts dismal pictures with others that convey a more optimistic atmosphere. As highlighted by the author, "The occurrence of art within the prison has a robust and well-documented history, from inmate sketches of pastoral scenes on the walls of centuries-old jailhouses to the contemporary poet Jimmy Santiago Baca composing and publishing poems while incarcerated" (Browne). Santiago recognized his aptitude for poetry, which is one of the ways he approaches the issue of overcoming obstacles. Rather than succumbing to hardness, the poet perceives positive aspects of the environment, such as the wind, the rocks, etc. Even in the most trying circumstances, such as incarceration, the poet finds time to seek the required motivation to maintain his composure. As highlighted by the poet, "And here I am, I cannot believe it/ Sometimes it is such a dream, a dream/where I stand up in the face of the wind" (Santiago). The poet believes that he has reached a stage in his life where even a seemingly insignificant object, such as the wind, gives him hope.

The second poem by Walt Whitman, "A Noiseless Patient Spider," also has the same motivational pattern, even though the ideas are different. A spider is one of the primary figures in the poem, and it is compared to humans, their souls, and their capacity to chase dreams. The poet is attempting to convey the idea that spiders possess an uncanny capacity to bridge any gaps and construct a bridge from their qualities, for example, the ability to develop a web. Based on this fact, there is a sign of Whitman's struggles to connect with what he must have perceived as an indifferent universe by that time. Whitman, like the spider, is attempting to make sense of his place to meet the problems of the world. 

Humans, like other animals, are gifted with a distinct soul that distinguishes them as spiritually sophisticated individuals from their animal counterparts. This allows them to draw on the hidden aspects of their personalities and the things that lie dormant within them to bridge the gaps that stand between them and their goals.

While the author discusses a hole and a gap in his spirit that he feels alienated from, he adds, "Till the bridge, you will need to be formed, till the ductile anchor hold" (Whitman). The quote makes explicit reference to the capacity of spiders to perform tasks and the lessons that people might take away from their abilities.

The final poem, "Constantly Risking Absurdity" by Lawrence Ferlinghetti, follows the same idea. The poet compares himself to an acrobat performing acrobatics on a high wire in a circus, risking death at any moment. As highlighted by the author, "Artist is a risk-taker, but one who consciously takes those risks as part of the performance before an audience; his version of reality is a "super" reality that is somehow larger than life, or more real than what is conventionally seen as real" (Geis). This analogy is made because there is a correlation between what people do and the risks associated with those actions. However,  it illustrates the level of motivation that humans can have that can lead to absurdity when faced with adversity. People can be judgmental and overlook things that are pretty valuable to some people. As highlighted by the poet, "For he's the super realist/ who must perforce perceive/ taut truth/ before the taking of each stance or step" (Ferlinghetti). The remark exemplifies the hazard inherent in all types of occupations where individuals must carefully consider their following actions to succeed. Poetry is no exception, as it motivates the poet to walk a tightrope to complete his journey.

Each of the poems focuses on a specific character or element that embodies the idea of providing the necessary tools to overcome any obstacles that a person may face. The use of imagery is a recurring theme throughout all three poems. It serves as a foundation for demonstrating how motivation may be achieved even during difficult times to proceed toward the goals. Whitman, for example, has used the spider and its attempt to create a web across a distance to be able to investigate what is on the other end of the web. As highlighted by the author, "It launched forth filament, filament, filament, out of itself/Ever unreeling them, ever tirelessly speeding them" (Whitman). Instantaneously, an attempt is made to imagine the struggling spider spinning its web, which aids in the capture of both the difficulties and the motivation of the situation. The poem by Ferlinghetti depicts an acrobat and his ability to walk a considerable distance on a tight rope suspended above people, allowing them to witness the spectacle unfold as the individual risks his life... As highlighted by the poet, 'the poet like an acrobat/climbs on rime/to a high wire of his making/and balancing on eyebeams" (Ferlinghetti). The balancing act is quite popular because it allows the audience to perceive the individual's predicament. This is a technique for maintaining motivation and a certain balance to prevent losing control. Santiago's final poem also features the poet as the critical character and relies heavily on natural sources for motivation. The sight of various objects fluttering in wind gusts produces peace and hope for the future, especially when this can be felt in enclosed spaces such as prisons. As observed by the poet, "And here I am, I cannot believe it./Sometimes it is such a dream, a dream,/where I stand up in the face of the wind" (Santiago). The goal is to demonstrate how peaceful imagery can be made even in prison, giving people new hope.

The use of symbolism is prominent in all three works and serves as the foundation for the theme depicted. Whitman's poem used the symbol of the web and the spider to depict the gap that may exist between one's objectives and adversities and the work required to overcome them. In Santiago's poetry, the prison and captivity represent hardships, while nature demonstrates how troubles can be overcome and grandeur accomplished. The wind is frequently utilized as a symbol of life and motivation. The poet is motivated to heal from the trauma and progress toward a better life because the wind is pure and exhibits evidence of life and mobility. Finally, Ferlinghetti's poetry employed an acrobat as a symbol for all humans, and the stunts are closely related to the difficulties humankind may confront. The tightrope walk is connected with risk, and individuals frequently have to endure it to achieve their ultimate goal. This is what the author is attempting to convey by including such details in the poem to emphasize the importance of motivation.

The poems chosen for this collection are based on the theme of overcoming adversity and the necessary desire and determination to overcome the obstacles that life may provide. Each poem uses comparable aspects, such as symbolism and imagery, but in its unique style to ensure that the poets' message is presented effectively. Each poet has utilized a variety of different settings with various main characters to demonstrate how life frequently provides a variety of different obstacles that must be overcome in order for a person to proceed successfully through life. As a result, readers immediately develop an affinity for the poets and understand how the principles might be applied to their own lives.

Works Cited

Browne, Ryan. "Widening the Circle: Prison Arts Performances as Gifts." Journal of Community Engagement and Scholarship, vol. 2, no. 1, 2009, pp. 31–40.

Cristo, George Constantine. Unraveling Walt Whitman. 2007.

Ferlinghetti, Lawrence. "Constantly Risking Absurdity (#15) by Lawrence Ferlinghetti." Poetry Foundation, Poetry Foundation, 19 Apr. 2022, https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/52319/constantly-risking-absurdity-15. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/.

Geis, Deborah R. "Unfair Arguments with Existence": Ferlinghetti's One-Acts and the Modes of Beat Drama.

Santiago, Jimmy. "Cloudy Day by Jimmy Santiago Baca." Poetry Foundation, Poetry Foundation, 19 Apr. 2022, https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/49563/cloudy-day-56d22bc3b944c. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/.

Whitman, Walt. "A Noiseless Patient Spider by Walt Whitman." Poetry Foundation, Poetry Foundation, 19 Apr. 2022, https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45473/a-noiseless-patient-spider. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/.