Read the following poems. Then, respond to the question that follows.
"Yet Gentle Will the Griffin Be"
By Vachel Lindsay
The moon? It is a griffin's egg,
Hatching to-morrow night.
And how the little boys will watch
With shouting and delight
To see him break the shell and stretch
And creep across the sky.
The boys will laugh. The little girls,
I fear,may hide and cry.
Yet gentle will the griffin be,
Most decorous and fat,
And walk up to the milky way
And lap it like a cat.
"The Crescent Moon"
By Amy Lowell
Slipping softly through the sky
Little horned, happy moon,
Can you hear me up so high?
Will you come down soon?
On my nursery window-sill
Will you stay your steady flight?
And then float away with me
Through the summer night?
Brushing over tops of trees,
Playing hide and seek with stars,
Peeping up through shiny clouds
At Jupiter or Mars.
I shall fill my lap with roses
Gathered in the milky way,
All to carry home to mother.
Oh! what will she say!
Little rocking, sailing moon,
Do you hear me shout—Ahoy!
Just a little nearer, moon,
To please a little boy.
In a paragraph of 5–7 sentences, compare and contrast how the authors' diction and syntax describe their varied viewpoints on the moon. In your response, be sure to
explain the differences and similarities in diction, tone, and syntax from each poem
discuss the meaning of each text
use your best grammar, punctuation, and spelling
In Vachel Lindsay’s poem "Yet Gentle Will the Griffin Be," the poet uses more formal and grandiose diction to describe the moon as a griffin’s egg hatching, creating a sense of wonder and excitement. The syntax is organized and rhythmic, with short lines and a steady rhythm, reflecting the anticipation of the little boys and the gentle nature of the griffin. The tone is playful and light-hearted, as the poet imagines the boys laughing and the girls potentially hiding and crying. The meaning of the poem suggests that the moon is a beautiful and enchanting creature that will bring joy to those who witness its hatching.
In contrast, Amy Lowell’s poem "The Crescent Moon" portrays a more intimate and personal viewpoint of the moon. The poet uses more simple and accessible diction, addressing the moon directly and asking if it can hear her from its high position. The syntax is more conversational, with questions posed to the moon and a sense of longing for it to come closer. The tone is tender and nostalgic, as the poet reminisces about childhood and the desire to share a moment with the moon. The meaning of the poem is to express the yearning for connection and the immensity of wonder that the moon represents.
In summary, the diction, syntax, and tone in Lindsay’s poem create a sense of excitement and grandeur, while Lowell’s poem conveys a more personal and wistful tone. While both poems share the theme of the moon’s beauty and allure, each poet uses their own unique style to create their distinct viewpoint and explore the different emotions connected to the moon.