exam

In this essay I will compare the two different poems 'Human Interest' and 'Cousin Kate'. They are written by different poets, 'Human Interest' is written by Carol Ann Duffy, whom was born in 1955 which means it is modern twentieth century language. 'Cousin Kate' is written by Christina Rossetti, who was born in 1830 and died in 1984, making this pre-twentieth century language. The narrator in 'Human Interest' is male, he is locked up in prison for stabbing his allegedly unfaithful partner. The narrator in 'Cousin Kate' is a simple country maiden whom is contented until falling in love. less effective, in my opinion, flowly rhyming technique. Carol Ann Duffy writes with mildly rhyming sharp and punchy effect, which I believe is more dramatic. I think overall 'Human Interest' with its shocking language and storyline is more effective. Although I prefer this poem I do like how the feelings of the country maiden in 'Cousin Kate' are put across as they are much more descriptive as Rossetti uses imagery words such as 'love writ in sand'. These have a more indirect approach but the romantic language is able to express feeling in a different but more descriptive manor. In "Cousin Kate", Rossetti gives messages about an abuse of power. The "Lord" "lured" the narrator to his "palace home". The word "lured" is very ominous and enforces the idea that he is a figure with authority. He manages to seduce the narrator with his flattery, and then enthrals her like a predator with his prey. The Lord has a high social standing which explains how he "wore" the "cottage maiden" like a "silken knot". The narrator felt inferior to the Lord, therefore she allows him to abuse her trust and let's him degrade her until she feels as unworthy as a "glove". This highlights the way that he degrades her and shows how he doesn't appreciate the value of her love. After the "Lord" abandoned her, the "cottage maiden" was left an "unclean thing". The word "unclean" shows how dirty and tainted she felt