When comparing a named poem with another from the anthology, what should you do?

• A. Identify similarities in theme, language, structure, context
• B. All of the above
• C. Support with quotes from both
• D. None of the above

Answer: (B)

When comparing poems, you look at how ideas are expressed across both texts by examining theme, language, structure, and context, and you back up your points with short quotes from each poem. This combination shows not only what the poems are saying but how they say it and why they feel related or different, taking into account the circumstances in which they were written. Using evidence from both poems keeps your analysis concrete and persuasive, rather than vague. Also, considering context can reveal why a poet chose particular images or tones, helping you understand deeper meanings. Because you need to cover all these aspects to make a solid comparison, doing all of the above is the best approach. If you focus on one element or omit quoting from both poems, you’d miss important connections and evidence.