Comparative essay between 'Sun and Fun' and 'Devonshire Street W.1' by John Betjeman.

These two poems, although sharing an ultimately common theme, differ greatly in their content and style. Although the typical indications of Betjeman's work (simple rhyming and structured stanzas) are evident in both, it is obvious to the reader that his intentions for each poem and how they are interpreted do not correlate. The essence of both poems is death and what it means to the subject. With 'Sun and Fun' we are presented with one …

…greatly, but in assessing their relevance when considering death, they both offer valid perspectives on how a human reacts when his demise becomes reality, or at least tangible. Betjeman has adopted a subtle approach for both poems, without corpses or descriptions of death's decay. But what is just as striking and prominent here is the sense of imminent demise and sadness, carried out with delicate restraint in order to illustrate the thoughts of these characters.