Journal 7: "To A Waterfowl" & "The Raven"

William Cullen Bryant’s “To a Waterfowl” (p.151) and Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven” (p.181)

Read the selections and write a detailed response to the following:

1. Compare/contrast the different views of nature that are being presented in the poems.  Refer to the list of classical and romantic characteristics and provide specific examples from the poems to support your analysis.       

In the poem written by William Cullen Bryant’s “To a Waterfowl,” the tone could be expressed as peaceful or happy. The setting takes places during sunset which is often a symbol of peace in the world. The speaker reassures the tone and setting of peace by the way he believes the birds will lead him to something great. The supernatural powers of the bird in the poem help lead him down the right path.

In the poem “The Raven,” written by Edgar Allan Poe, the tone is the opposite from Bryant’s poem. Instead of being peaceful or happy, it is depressed. The setting in this poem is midnight and represents darkness.  The speaker’s view is different from the speaker of “To a Waterfowl.” The speaker is disturbed, unsettled, and weary rather than peaceful.  The supernatural power of the bird in “The Raven” represents his lost love. The poet is grieving his loss of the one he loves.

The visionary characteristic in “The Raven” and “To a Waterfowl” are very different. In “The Raven” it’s dreary and dark and in “To a Waterfowl” the visionary characteristic is bright and uplifting. Emotion is presented in both these poems. Sadness is represented in “The Raven” and in “To a Waterfowl” happiness and hope is presented.