Question

Read the details from "Zombies on the Loose" and "A Zombie's

Confession." How is the description of the zombies in the story
different from the zombie's description of itself in the poem?

Answer 1

To understand the difference in zombie descriptions, one compares the outward description of their monstrous traits in a story to the introspective and possibly sympathetic portrayal in a poem. Descriptive language helps create vivid images and comparing drafts of poems reveals thematic and symbolic development. Literary comparisons between humans and animals or insects often highlight human nature.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks for an analysis of how the description of zombies in a story, "Zombies on the Loose," differs from the self-description by a zombie in a poem, "A Zombie's Confession." The question is centered around interpreting literature, particularly comparing and contrasting points of view in two different pieces of writing about zombies. When analyzing the text, one might find that the story presents zombies from an external perspective, highlighting their grotesque, monstrous appearance and perhaps terrifying behavior, common in horror genres. In contrast, the poem from the perspective of the zombie may add a layer of depth, presenting a more nuanced, perhaps even sympathetic view of a zombie's experience, potentially touching on themes of identity and existence.

The comparison between humans and animals or insects in poetry, as mentioned in the reference to stanzas 15 and 16, often serves to draw out qualities or instincts that can be related to human behavior. This literary technique allows the poet to convey complex ideas about human nature in a more tangible, relatable way.

Descriptive language is key in providing a vivid image to the reader, and comparisons between drafts of poems such as Blake's can offer insights into the poet's creative process and the thematic developments within the revisions. Noting changes such as the replacement of stanza 4 and the introduction of a new stanza in a revised poem can reflect significant shifts in thematic focus or symbolism, as seen with the introduction of "the Lamb" in contrast to the tiger, which brings forth contrasting ideas of innocence and ferocity.

Answer 2

The description of the zombies in "Zombies on the Loose" is that of mindless, gruesome, walking corpses with a zombie-like gait, out for human flesh. In contrast, the zombie's description of itself in the poem is of a creature struggling to find its purpose in life while dealing with its undead nature. The poem paints a sympathetic picture of the zombie as a being driven to feed its cravings and unable to be anything else.