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 by Demi Lovato
The rhyme
scheme for this poem
is the verse 1 is
ABABCD, the
choruses are
EEFGHHII, verse 2 is
JKLKJK and the
bridge is MNNOMPN.
The speaker is
young girl who wants
to stand up for herself
in front people brings
her down.
The poet is a
young singer and she
is a mix of Mexican
and Irish.
The poet wrote
this poem was in a
time of depression,
and this poem is
same as a cry for
help.

Similarities between
Skyscraper and Still I rise
For both
poems, they all have
a theme of stand up
for themselves.
Both poems
have the intended
audience as the
people who brought
them down.
Both poems
have negative but
strong connotations.
Both poets
has been through
tough times.
The speakers
of the poems are
likely to be the author
themselves.
Both poets are
female.
The tone of
both poems are
similar, are bitter but
with hope.
Both poems
have reputations.

Differences unique to Still I

rise by Maya Angelou
The rhyme
scheme is ABCB
DEFE GHIH, until the
last two stanzas, the
rhyme scheme
changes to JKLKMM
NONOPPOOO.
The speaker is
an African American
woman who desire
hope for her race.
The author is a
old aged poet, and
she is a black woman.
The poet had a
rough childhood,
which lead her to the
inspiration to this
poem.

2. Pick 2 main similarities and 2 main differences between the two poems. Use complete
sentences!

Similarity 1

Explain the similarity/difference

Give 1-2 examples that illustrate

this similarity/difference

For both poems, they all have a

theme of stand up for themselves.

Go on and try to tear me down

I will be rising from the ground
Like a skyscraper -Skyscraper
You may write me down in history

With your bitter, twisted lies,

You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, Ill rise. -Still I
rise
Similarity 2

Both poems have strong

connotations that shows hope and
courage.

Go on and try to tear me down

I will be rising from the ground
Like a skyscraper -Skyscraper
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still Ill rise. -Still I rise

Difference 1

Difference 2

In Skyscraper, the speaker is

young girl who wants to stand up
for herself in front people brings
her down, while in Still I rise, the
speaker is an African American
woman who desire hope for her
race.

Would it make you feel better

To watch me while I bleed?
All my windows still are broken
But I'm standing on my feet.
-Skyscraper
Bringing the gifts that my
ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the
slave. -Still I rise

In Skyscraper, there are less

verses that rhymes with each
You may write me down in history
others, while in Still I rise, there are With your bitter, twisted lies,
more rhyming parts.
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, Ill rise. -Still I
rise

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.

Similarity 1

Explain the similarity/difference

What image will represent this

similarity/difference?

They all represent rising/ stand up

for themselves.

Images that represent rising motion

Similarity 2

Most of their connotations are

positive.

Sunrise that represent positive, or

growing.

Difference 1

The speakers are different.

Images that is chosen according to

the text information.

Difference 2

The rhyming are different.

A picture that shows a rhyme

scheme.

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