Write a comparison of the ways the writers present the theme of friendship.

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Mandip Dhillon

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Write a comparison of the ways the writers present the theme of friendship.

'Poison Tree,' by William Blake, a poem of an enemy being poisoned by an apple from a tree and 'Strange Meeting,' By Wilfred Owen, a conversation between two enemies; are both a subject of friendship and enemies. However both writers, in completely diverse methods express the running theme of 'friendship'.

The theme of friendship in 'Poison Tree' is expressed through 'anger.' It is through this anger that the distinction between friends and enemies can be made. Blake argues that the anger between a friend will die down, "I was angry with my friend...my wrath did end." In contrast, however, between enemies it 'never' dies, but instead grows, "I was angry at my foe...my wrath did grow." Here there is a clear separation between enemy and friend, and a clear distinction through the way the writer feels towards both. Friendship seems to come across as a forever lasting bond, a bond of 'humanity' in which there are the highs and lows of life and anger being one of many emotions, however the relationship between enemies is simply about anger and hatred with nothing more.
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However, friendship and enemies in 'Strange Meeting' is presented in an opposite way to that of in 'Poison Tree.' The writer claims that it is the circumstances that drive ordinary people to become enemies, where in reality they may have become 'friends.' Writer, Wilfred Owen, 'jabbed and killed' an enemy the previous day, however 'today' this man is addressing Owen as his friend, "I am the enemy you killed, my friend." From here readers learn that these men are on the front line, for their country and their government and not for their personal gains. The men, are ...

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