Comparison of Stealing and Hitcher

Comparison of Stealing and Hitcher

In this essay, I will be comparing two poems; Stealing, by Carol Ann

Duffy and Hitcher, by Simon Armitage. I will be using several

categories in which to structure my comparison, which include style of

language and structure. In this piece, I hope to provide in depth

analysis into the narrators feelings and the poets techniques. Finally

I will be making a summary of my comments in a brief conclusion at the

end, which will include my thoughts on both poems.

The style of language in these poems have several similarities as well

as differences.

Firstly, in Stealing, Duffy has managed to fuse conversational English

with typical poetic devices. The poem has been written in a colloquial

style and shows use of slang, merged with metaphors and impressive

techniques. For example; the narrator uses slang words and phrases

such as “mate…pinch…nicked a bust” but can converse in a poetic style,

using metaphors such as “my breath ripped out in rags”. This contrast

between the speech usually associated with members of the sub classes

of society, and that found in the middle class is very effective.

Consequently, Duffy gives the narrator a voice.

In Simon Armitage’s Hitcher, we see mainly basic English enhanced with

some local ‘lingo’ and well known sayings. Often, the subject is using

words taken from the mouth of the hitcher. This poem is written in

first person, like in Stealing. Also, in Hitcher, the narrator uses

plain English, which is very casual and almost conversational,

although not to the extent of that in Stealing. For example, the

subject uses the hitchers own words - “He was following the sun from

east to west”, but he also uses some slang - “I let him have it” - ...

... middle of paper ...

...lok in the

face”.

These poems both involve people who have similar problems but deal

with them in different ways. They are both angry and frustrated

because they cannot get what they crave. In Hitcher, the narrator

desires freedom - spiritual freedom, and in Stealing, the narrator

wants to be accepted. In Stealing, the narrator can express his

feelings on paper but not in reality. Similarly, in Hitcher the

narrator can simply not control his emotions. The desire of both the

narrators causes them to do things I am sure they didn’t really want

to do.

Both Duffy and Armitage have created poetic masterpieces, full of

emotion and desire. In their own style they have portrayed characters

in ways that meant we had to analyse them to get to their true

feelings. Both poems are full of hidden meaning, creating contrasting

atmospheres and a mix of feelings.