Shelley’s essay examines poetry from faculties of imagination, and logic (Shelley). The logic generates the ideas and helps to make connections while the imagination is the generator for artistic thought (Shelley). Uche’s essay on the other hand, examines the philosophy that governs poetry While Shirley focuses on theme of the role of imagination and logic in writing and appreciating poetry. Uche’s theme is on the philosophy of poetry; while both writers use extensive imagery to bring out the different themes.
The two essays addresses two different themes which are however, closely related. Shelly states that through imagination and logic, poetry should inspire the reader (Shelley). Shirley argues that these two are natural to man and cannot be gotten from studying. She emphasizes that poetry is inspired and states that “when composition begins, inspiration is already on the decline,” (Shelley). On the other hand, Uche takes a subjective tone, expressing her personal philosophy of poetry where she examines a variety of issues and also exalts the role of imagination in poetry where she states that “the opportunity for exploration is where the poem resides” (Shelley). She examines the style of poetry in America and praises the dynamic poetry of the present.
The two essays extensively apply imagery to bring out their message. Shelley in her emphasis that creativity and imagination creates a poem says that “for the mind in creation is as a fading coal which some invisible influence, like an inconstant wind,” (Shelley). Here she stresses that composition hinders the content that was imagined, and kills it. Uche also applies imagery in her essay where she lauds freedom in writing poetry, stating that “it may make you feel better just like a red raven” (Uche). This supports her philosophy of letting poets be free.
The two essays are strikingly similar in that both address the philosophy of poetry; even though Uche takes a more subjective approach. The descriptive nature and uses of imagery is also a common feature in both poems, which draws emphasis to their themes.
Works Cited
Nduka, Uche. "So Even While". Harriet: The Blog. Web. 26 July 2016.
Shelly, Percy. "A Defence Of Poetry. Percy Bysshe Shelley. 1909-14. English Essays: Sidney To Macaulay. The Harvard Classics". Bartleby.com. N.p., 1914. Web. 26 July 2016.
