Write a paragraph comparing and contrasting how the poets use topic, rhyme scheme, and figurative language to convey their themes.

Answer:

Anne Bradstreet and Phillis Wheatley both use poetic techniques to express their themes, but they differ in topic and imagery. Bradstreet’s topics are writing and self-criticism, while Wheatley’s topic is the beauty of nature. Both poets use couplets for their rhyme scheme and structure, giving their poems a steady, ordered feel. They also both use figurative language to express their inner thoughts. Wheatley uses more nature imagery than Bradstreet, and that nature imagery connects directly to her poem’s topic and theme of natural beauty and reflection.