Write a paper contrasting two different stanzas (which means sections) from David Baker’s “Mongrel Heart”

Write a paper contrasting two different stanzas (which means sections) from David Baker’s “Mongrel Heart” (https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/48065/mongrel-heart) in terms of each stanza’s use of alliteration, which is when a particular consonant or vowel is repeated in a poem to change the emotional tint of it. Personally, I would contrast stanza 1 with either stanza 2 or 3. You will want to first quote the line with the repeated sound, name the letter that is being repeated and then try to come up with an emotional tint to that letter that goes with that part of the poem. This part of the argument can be creative as long as it makes sense. Below is an example of how these sentences could be written about a different poem:

…The second half of the poem changes to a more peaceful mood as the poet leaves the lecture hall. Outside, he encounters the “mystical moist night air” and looks up “in perfect silence at the stars” (Whitman l. 9-10). The soft “m”s of “mystical moist” suggest a peaceful warmth, like someone humming happily, while the “st”s of “moist” and “stars” create a feeling of humidity with the slight spray that happens in the mouth. Notice also in the above examples how all the consonants are long and slowed down, like the speaker is finally relaxing and no longer wanting these to hurry up.

Don’t forget that you will need to cite for your quotes or paraphrases. In the above example, I didn’t cite the second time I quoted a word, because I had just cited it in the sentence before. If you would like to be cautious and cite it again, I would never take off points for that.

I would suggest reading closely the following distinctions and trying to incorporate them into your argument:

Consonants: there are “hard” consonants (d, b, t, k, p) and “soft” consonants (m, n, s, l, r, w, h). Obviously, the softer ones are probably better in depicting peaceful moments, especially when they are repeated next to each other. Harder consonants are often helpful in giving the feeling of discomfort or something jarring.

Vowels: there are long vowels (moan, spoon, dime) and short vowels (kick, intricate). Long vowels are probably better to describe someone lounging, taking their time, relaxing, at peace (or in other poems, sadness).

When referring to repeated consonants or vowels, make sure to tell us exactly which consonant or vowel you are referring to as in the example below:

The repeated “k”s and “t”s in the phrase “the katabosis of talking crap” helps simulate the sharp discomfort the speaker has from listening to the conversation around him (Eliot l. 14).

After you turn yours in, don’t forget to comment on someone else’s post, in 3 or 4 sentences. Don’t be afraid to point out if they didn’t mention a specific letter or argue it well.