The poems “Ethics” and “35/10” by Linda Pastan and Sharon Olds are

surprisingly alike. Each poem tells a story with the speaker being the author. She speaks

directly to the audience. Although the number of lines differ, the appearance and length of

each line and the appearance of each poem as a whole is very similar. The tones are

similar, since both are reflective and somewhat pensive. The language and diction in both

poems are simple and understandable. The authors interest is telling her story, and that is

Sharon Olds’ poem, “35/10” is a narrative poem about a mother’s

realization that she is aging as her daughter is blooming. The mother is the speaker, which

Linda Pastan’s poem, “Ethics” is a narrative poem as well. The author, who is the

understanding the real answer. The title “Ethics” shows that she didn’t understand the

the author’s own experience. The tone is reflective, pensive and appreciative. The poem

lines 9-10, “she opens like a small pale flower on the tip of a cactus”, or “last chances to

diction consists of simple words that flow. The imagery is in the description of the

In conclusion, the two poems differ in the way the story is being told, but

speaker, tells the audience a story of her lesson of ethics. As a young woman, she had an

mother and daughter. Words such as gray, silver, dry pitting, and dud represents the

Some common words found in the essay are:
Linda Pastan’s, Sharon Olds’, Sharon Olds, Linda Pastan, Comparisons Contrasts, author speaks directly, speaker author speaks, speaks directly, speaks directly audience, narrative poem, directly audience, author speaks, tells audience, difference mother, linda pastan, speaker author, sharon olds,
Approximate Word count = 591
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)