Question

Comment on the changes in poetic expression in English from the time of Donne to that of Kamala Das with reference to

• prosodic features (rhyme, rhythm and metre)
• vocabulary
• language
• themes.

Answer 1

• Prosodic features - During the time of Donne, the poems had a set pattern and were formal ones. The rhyming words were used following a specified pattern.
  The variation of line length and the meter allows Donne to achieve some special effects but Kamala Das hasn’t used any such poetic device.
• vocabulary - Donne's usage of vocabulary was very formal with less description and more suggestions whereas Kamala Das used words that are elaborating and descriptive in nature.
• Language - Donne used the language in the poem which was full of passion and speaks of his mode and mind. The language usage underwent the modifications with passage of time and Kamala Das used language which is understood by laymen easily. The words are those used in general language.
• Themes - Donne's poems used to have ideas and not music or imagination. The theme of the poem uses to be fantasy and how things should be. Kamala Das's poems had themes depicting social discriminations, the weariness of solitude, and the grandeur prevailing in society. Her poems portray the condition of women in society.