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

Free verse
Song
About heartbreak
Tone- empowering
Uses personification,
imagery, metaphor,
and simile
Strength to pick
yourself back up

Similarities between
Skyscraper and Still I Rise

Never let another

person bring you
down
Written by women
Uses repetition
Hope
Talks about strength

Differences unique to Still I

Rise

More lines and

stanzas
Has a ABCB rhyme
scheme
More literary devices
About racial
differences
Uses simile,
imagery,hyperbole,
and metaphor
Strength to stand
against the
gender/racial norms

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

Uses repetition

I rise like a skyscraper

Similarity 2

Shows strength

Go on and try to tear me down, I will be

rising from the ground Up from a past

thats rooted in pain,I rise,

Im a black ocean, leaping and,
wide,Welling and swelling I bear in the
tide
Difference 1

Skyscraper is talking
about heartbreak.

Only silence as its ending, like we never

had a chance

Difference 2

Still I rise talks about

racial differences.

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

Uses repetition

A skyscraper standing tall while like

air clouds will rise around it.

Similarity 2

Strength

Someone trying to tear down the

skyscraper without success and an
ocean with black tides.

Difference 1

Skyscraper talks about heartbreak

Lips and a finger shhhing

everyone.

Difference 2

Still I rise talks about racial

differences

Someone bringing a present from

the slaves

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