Mary Lamb鈥檚 poem compares an envious person to a rose tree. The poem鈥檚 content, ideas, language and structure are explored. Comparisons and alternative interpretations are also considered.
You can discover a lot about a poem by comparing it to one by another author that deals with a similar subject. You could compare features such as theme, form, structure, rhythm, language and figures of speech.
The key thing to do when comparing poems is to note the points where they are similar and the points where they differ. You could make a list noting similarities and differences between the two poems.
Comparison of 'Envy' by Mary Lamb and 'A Poison Tree' by William Blake
Similarities
Both poems compare elements of nature to human emotions.
Both poems have similarities to nursery rhymes. This simple form allows the moral message to be conveyed powerfully.
Both use first-person perspective.
Differences
Blake's poem has a more ambiguous tone, whereas Lamb's contains the clear message that envy is wasted emotion.
Blake uses first person throughout, Lamb only uses it once in the final stanza.