Compare/Contrast Poems

1. Fill in the blanks with the titles of your two poems. List as many similarities and differences
between your song and poem as you can. Focus on the poetic elements that you analyzed
previously (structure, diction, tone/mood, and theme).
Differences unique to
skyscraper.
I think that
Skyscraper uses more
negative context.

Similarities between
Skyscraper and Still I Rise
Both have
similar themes/being
strong and confident.
Both use firstperson perspective.
Both do not
have alliteration.
They have
about the same tone
and mood.
They have
similar intended
audiences

Differences unique to Still I

Rise.
I think that Still
I Rise rhymes more.
Longer
structure than
Skyscraper

2. Pick 2 main similarities and 2 main differences between the two poems. Use complete
sentences!
Explain the similarity/difference

Give 1-2 examples that illustrate

this similarity/difference

Similarity 1

Both use similar themes.

Both use the theme of being strong

and confident. In Skyscraper, 2nd
stanza, it says Go on and try to
tear me down, I will be rising from
the ground. In Still I Rise, 1st
stanza, it says You may trod me in
the very dirt, But still, like dust, Ill
rise.

Similarity 2

Both use a first-person

perspective.

Both poems use words like you

and I.

Difference 1

Skyscraper uses more negative

context.

Throughout the Skyscraper there

are more negative lines like Skies
are crying, I am watching Catching
teardrops in my hands or Would
it make you feel better to watch me
while I bleed?, than Still I Rise.

Difference 2

Still I Rise rhymes more.

With careful examination, you can

find much more examples of
rhythm in Still I Rise like in the last
stanza Leaving behind nights of
terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak thats wondrously
clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors
gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the
slave.

3. You will create an illustrated poster that shows these similarities and differences. It can be
either digital or on paper. Plan how you will represent these similarities/differences with imagery.
Explain the similarity/difference

What image will represent this

similarity/difference?

Similarity 1

Both poems use similar themes

I could use a picture of a person

showing strength or picture having
to do with insults.

Similarity 2

Both poems use first-person

perspective

I could use a picture of a first

person view of something.

Difference 1

Skyscraper uses more negative

context than

For this you would need a picture

that symbolizes negativity.

Difference 2

Still I Rise has more rhythm to it

than Skyscraper.

I could use a picture of music

notes.

4. Start working on your poster! It must include:

Both titles
Both authors/artists
4 images total (at least) that represent 2 similarities and 2 differences between
the poems
4 quotes total (at least) that represent 2 similarities and 2 differences between
the poems