Compare And Contrast The Convergence Of The Twain And David Slavitt

“The Convergence of the Twain” by Thomas Hardy and “Titanic” by David R. Slavitt, although written in different time periods, both discuss the tragic event of the Titanic, the gigantic ship that sank after hitting an iceberg in 1912 (History). The two poems similarly portray the great wealth of the ship and its short-lived nature, through the use of irony, and diction. Ultimately through social influences while using contrasting forms, use of words and tone in narrating this event, both portrayed their own perspective for the sinking of this giant ship. In spite of their distinct focuses in describing the disaster, the two poems have a major thematic similarity because they both depict the ship’s riches as a short dream that was desirable but ultimately short-lived. Hardy first portrays the luxuries of the ship with much detail, through magnificent diction, such as “salamandrine fires” (5), “the Pride of Life” (3), and “ravish the sensuous mind” (11). He mentions jewelry, and mirrors on the …show more content…
Social influences played a major role in their perspective and tone. People are often moved in different ways by similar experiences; this explains the difference in theme from both poets. Many times in life, events occur which stimulate many opinions but social influence due to different time era will cause completely different interpretations. Hardy published his work a few years after the Titanic’s disaster, whereas Slavitt published his over seven decades later. Therefore, Hardy was most likely still under the influence of the mourning sentiment of the public for the victims of the disaster, while Slavitt was able to take on a more detached view and focus on the lessons to be derived. Therefore, given that each poet’s view fits their time period, it is not surprising that they displayed such different perspectives on the sinking of the