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For your exam, you will need to show that you can compare the four
poems by making a few comparisons:
Example: ‘My last Duchess and ‘The laboratory’ are set in the 19 th
century whereas ‘Education for Leisure’ and ‘The Hitcher’ are set in
contemporary Britain (now).
Do not make too many points while comparing the 4 poems.
One about language, one or two about meaning and one about structure
would be brilliant! However, you must compare two poems in more
detail.
Your points might include ……
Language: Which poems use archaic (old) language and which ones use
colloquial language?
Provide quotations.
Are the four poems monologue, therefore using the first person ‘I’?
Structure: Which poem is not set out in stanzas, unlike the others? What
effect does it have on the reader?
Meaning: Which poem definitely involves a female character? What
difference does it make?
Meaning: In what ways do the characters’ motives (reasons for killing)
differ (are not the same)? Which poems involve sexual jealousy?
Meaning: What are the similarities between all the characters in the
poem?
Sentence starters:
The poems are similar in that …………… / They all involve ……………
Unlike ‘The Hitcher’ and ‘Education for Leisure’, ‘My Last Duchess’ and
‘The laboratory’ . ..
The main character in ________ is definitely female whereas it is
………………………………….
Comparing ‘My Last Duchess’ and ‘The Laboratory’
Use the framework to compare these two poems:
1. Structure
2. Language:
Any evidence of … ‘ My Last Duchess’ ‘ The Laboratory’
+ quotations
Archaic (oldfashioned)
language
Poetic techniques like
enjambement, metaphors _
Strong poetic images
Complex sentences
Use of the first person
(a monologue)
My own comments
3. Meaning: Do you agree with the statements? Justify your answer and provide
evidence as well as further comments.
The character is utterly
merciless (pitiless) and sadistic
(wants to inflict pain)
The female character plans the
murder in her head very
meticulously (carefully).
The character has complete
power over his/ her victim and
uses it.
My own comments