Introduction to Comparing Attitudes, Tone, and Voice
In your Component 1, Section B exam, you will be asked to compare two poems from the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Anthology. While many students focus only on what happens in a poem (the subject matter), the examiners are very interested in how the poet says it. This is where attitudes, tone, and voice come in.
Think of it like a conversation: the words you use are important, but your body language and the way your voice sounds can change the entire meaning. Understanding these elements helps you meet the requirements for AO2 (analysing language and effects) and AO3 (exploring links and connections between texts).
Note: For more on how to compare the actual words used or the physical shape of the poems, see our other chapters: "Comparing language and imagery" and "Comparing form and structure."
1. Understanding 'Voice': Who is Speaking?
The voice in a poem is the persona or character "speaking" to the reader. It isn’t always the poet themselves; sometimes the poet "puts on" a character’s voice.
Key types of voice to look for:
The First-Person Narrator ('I'): This creates an intimate, personal feeling. For example, in Poem at Thirty-Nine, the voice is personal and reflective. However, in My Last Duchess, the "I" is a fictional character (the Duke) who comes across as arrogant and controlling.
The Child’s Voice: Some poems use a simpler, more innocent voice to show a child's perspective. In Half-past Two, the voice reflects the confusion of a child who doesn't understand time.
The Collective Voice ('We'): Sometimes a poem speaks for a whole group of people. In Blessing, the collective excitement of a community is felt when the water pipe bursts.
The Direct Address ('You'): Some poems speak directly to the reader or a specific person. If– uses a fatherly, instructional voice to give advice to a son.
Quick Tip: Ask yourself, "What kind of person does this speaker sound like? Are they old, young, angry, or peaceful?"
2. Understanding 'Tone': The Mood of the Poem
Tone is the "mood" or atmosphere of the poem. It is the emotional quality behind the words. When comparing two poems, you might find they share a similar tone, or they might have tones that contrast (clash) with each other.
Useful 'Tone' words for your essay:
Nostalgic: Longing for the past (e.g., Piano).
Urgent: Feeling like something must be done immediately (e.g., Do not go gentle into that good night).
Critical: Judging something or someone (e.g., War Photographer or Half-caste).
Melancholy: A deep, pensive sadness (e.g., Remember).
Celebratory: Happy and praising (e.g., Blessing).
Key Takeaway: Tone can change! A poem might start out calm and end up angry. Identifying these shifts is a great way to earn marks for AO2.
3. Understanding 'Attitude': The Message and Viewpoint
Attitude refers to the speaker’s or the poet's perspective on the subject they are writing about. It is their opinion or stance.
For example, consider how different poets approach the subject of parent-child relationships:
In If–, the attitude is one of guidance and strict moral standards.
In Poem at Thirty-Nine, the attitude is one of gratitude and admiration for a father’s lessons, even if they were tough.
Consider identity:
In Search For My Tongue, the attitude toward heritage is protective and anxious about loss.
In Half-caste, the attitude is defiant and challenging towards people who use the term "half-caste."
4. How to Compare Them (AO3)
When you write your essay, you need to link the two poems together. Use comparative connectives to show how the voices, tones, or attitudes are similar or different.
Step-by-Step Comparison Strategy:
Step 1: Identify the Voice. "While My Last Duchess uses a single, controlling voice to dominate the poem, Half-caste uses a conversational, challenging voice to engage the reader in a debate."
Step 2: Compare the Tone. "Both Remember and Do not go gentle into that good night deal with death. However, Rossetti’s tone is peaceful and selfless, whereas Thomas’s tone is defiant and raging."
Step 3: Link to the Attitude. "This suggests that while Rossetti has an attitude of acceptance toward the end of life, Thomas views death as something to be fought against."
Helpful Connectives:
To show similarity: Similarly, In the same way, Likewise, Both poems...
To show difference: On the other hand, In contrast, Whereas, However...
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Confusing the poet with the speaker: Don't always assume the poet is the one talking. Use the word "the speaker" or "the persona" to stay safe.
2. Forgetting AO2: Don't just say "the tone is sad." You must explain how the language makes it sad. Mention specific words, metaphors, or punctuation that create that tone.
3. Ignoring the shift: Many students describe only the tone at the start of a poem. If the tone changes from curious to horrified (like in Hide and Seek), make sure you mention that change!
4. Mentioning context: Remember, for Section B (Anthology Poetry), you are NOT marked on historical context (AO4). Keep your focus entirely on comparing the poems themselves.
Key Takeaways
Voice is the "who" (the character or narrator).
Tone is the "feeling" (the mood or atmosphere).
Attitude is the "what" (the opinion or perspective).
Comparison (AO3) requires you to use connectives to show how these elements are either similar or different across your two chosen poems.