Comparison of The Swimmer and The Lone Bather

A detailed Summary of Comparison of The Swimmer and The Lone Bather

Poetry is used to send a variety of messages, either through its imagery, meaning, or by the poetic devices used. Each and every poem has something special and unique to offer to the reader, as long as the reader looks deep enough to find it. "Lone Bather" written by A.M. Klein, and "The Swimmer" by Irving Layton both offer such messages to the reader. At first glance, these messages seem surprising similar, but after further examination they are in fact strikingly different. The similarities are most evident in the imagery and use of poetic devices, however there are some cases where they are contrary. Meanwhile the differences are most obvious in the meaning, but due to the general similar themes of the two poems, some similarities are found.

The imagery used in the two poems is very similar at times. Both authors describe to the readers a picturesque view of nature, like plants blooming in the springs. Proof of this is found in "Lone Bather" : " is plant with lilies bursting from its heels." Similarly, in "The Swimmer" the first

stanza reads " opening the spray corollas" which also means the blooming of flowers or plants. This similarity is very strong, as it helps to paint the same picture in the reader'

s head. Both describe a very beautiful scene of nature involving the blossoming of a plant, perhaps reflecting the

of the water in the eyes of the character entering it. Both these techniques are extremely effective, as they enhance the strength of the mood of each poem, helping to send the aforementioned unique message to each reader. However, both these poets make use of similes to help the reader grasp what the poet is trying to say. For example, in "Lone Bather" the third stanza reads " feels good: and trains, like little acrobats", while in "The Swimmer", the third stanza opens with " he dives, floats, goes under like a thief." Both these similes enhance the pictures the reader is forming in his mind as he tries to follow the story. Another similarity in style between these two poems is the constant reference to animals, and how the character either becomes one or acts like one. In

whether it is his first sexual experience, his first exposure to a powerful religion or way of life, or his moment of enlightenment, which could be either or another. Either way, the huge difference is that the swimmer has left something behind, his boyhood and he is now a man. Meanwhile in Klein's poem he ends with : " the towel which rubs the bird, the plant, the dolphin back again

Both these poems do indeed have unique interpretations, depending on the reader. However, the methods that the two great poets used to make send those powerful messages are sometimes similar, but in this case largely different. Once one looks past the similarities of man entering water, the two poems have entirely different stories to tell, in very contrasting ways. Each poet has used effective diction, as well as very striking symbolism and imagery. The fact that they are different just shows how many ways there are to write a great poem, the only thing needed in common is the desire, feeling and will.

The use of poetic devices such as similes and word choice are both mastered by these two poets. In some cases, it seems as if the two are trying to make their points distinct from each other's. In the case of word choice, A.M. Klein chooses to dwell on a more positive side, with Layton taking the negative. Proof of this is found in "Lone Bather" : "swims fancy and gay ....under the satins of his great big bed." This quote shows the richness and prosperity of the water, and how the water is viewed by

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Approximate Word count = 1620
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English