In an essay, compare and contrast these two poems, paying close attention to each poem’s theme, style, and tone. Be sure to consider how each poet deals with these topics: the speaker’s relationship to nature, his relationship to people, ad hi
...ection or, as in Baca’s case, a disjunction with each other. Nature in both poems, represent a connection or freedom. “My tongue, every atom of my blood, form’d from this soil, this air” (Whitman, 6), shows the connection between humans which are, as Whitman believed, made from nature. Baca uses nature as a sense of freedom, “the build walls higher, so I live without treetops” (Baca, 2). The similarity between the two authors using nature as a definitive source of relations and freedom is found in the tone of their poems. The tone that the both author’s take toward their speakers relationship to people are completely opposite of each other. Whitman believes that man has the ability for “good or bad” (Whitman, 12) but focuses on the better part of the individual. Though Whitman’s poem is based on “myself” he connects himself to humanity through nature. Baca’s opinion towards others is negative. The speakers view is that oppression from society has taken away the essence of his life. But in the end, the speaker finds hope in himself. Whitman finds hope in others, while Baca finds hope mainly from within. The two speakers relation to themselves are ...