Comparison of Ballad of the Bread Man and Innocent's Song

Comparison of Ballad of the Bread Man and Innocent's Song by

Charles Causley and Journey of the Magi by T. S. Eliot

The subject matter of "Ballad of the Bread Man" is the religious story

of the birth, life and death of Jesus. It has all the main events of

the traditional story but it is done in a modern style. The meaning of

the story remains but most of the particulars have changed. For

instance in the poem a "bishop", "five start general", and a "head of

an African country" represent the kings.

Charles Causley has bought the story up to date so it appeals to

people living today, especially younger people. Children might not

understand the Bible version of the story so Charles Causley has made

it more accessible and understandable for them.

The poem is divided into twenty stanzas with four lines in each. There

is a strict rhyming scheme that applies to the entire poem with no

exceptions. In every stanza the last word on the second and fourth

lines rhyme, for instance "bread" and "said" in the first stanza.

There is a simple rhythm present, and it is very repetitive and

familiar. The reason why the poem is so regimented with its structure,

rhyme and rhythm is because it is a "Ballad" as it says in the title.

The title "Ballad of the Bread Man" is very important. Ballads are

very ancient poems that tell a story. Most ballads have a simple and

recognisable form, structure and features. This is because originally

ballads were passed on by word of mouth. They needed to be simple so

they would be remembered.

The "Bread Man" part of the title is a metaphor for the goodness of

Jesus. Bread is mentioned in the Bible many times. It reminds you of

"The Last Supper", "Loaves and Fishes", the bread used in ...

... middle of paper ...

...ed me.

"Journey of the Magi" is noticeably different to the two Causley poems

even in its layout. Although some of the techniques of language are

similar it is clear different poets wrote them. "Journey of the Magi"

is more complicated and harder to comprehend. I liked the final stanza

where Eliot asks if the birth of Jesus was a "birth or death?" The

message in this poem is more diverse and unusual and that's what I

liked about it.

The three poems all deal with different stories about Christmas and

from different perspectives. They are each trying to teach the reader

something different and they are also aimed at different audiences.

They use some similar methods in their language to convey their

messages but at the same time they are distinguishable. The two

Causley poems are the most alike while the Eliot poem really stands

out and is very unique.