Compare and Contrast two poems from the Manyoshu
Poems, in the process of conveying emotions, also tell us something about a particular culture, and the
poems in The Manyoshu are no exception. In order to develop a greater appreciation of the Golden Age
of Japanese Culture, for this assignment, you are to compare and contrast two poems from The
Manyoshu that are specifically listed on the syllabus.
When making your selection, remember that there must be a basis for your comparison, so be certain
that your two poems have something in common. After you have chosen two poems, read them over
several times so that you can be certain of their meaning. Then, consider your purpose for writing. More
than simply pointing out the similarities and differences between the poems, you must have a point you
wish to make. Generally speaking, there are three possible purposes for a comparison-contrast: 1) to
illustrate the unknown in terms of the known; 2) to derive a general principle; or 3) to illustrate a general
principle. While you will not be assigned a particular purpose, your thinking process should go
beyond the obvious that the two things are alike in some ways and different in others. That is true
of virtually everything! Instead, carry your thinking to a higher level of analysis to consider broader
implications of your comparison-contrast.
Sample Solution