"To Helen" and "Helen"

     Contrasting views on the the same subject bring a greater understanding of that same subject. While one source of literature may emphasize the virtues of the subject the other may makes these same descriptions stronger through contrast views. It't similar to their having to be evil for there to be good and there must be white for there to be black. The contrast in the works often help make each other stronger such as in the comparison of Helen in Edgar Allen Poe's "To Helen" and H.D.'s "Helen." These two poems use elements such as speaker, imagery and tone to help give different view points on the same subject, Helen of Troy.
     Right form the beginning the audience can see a difference in the titles of both works. Poe's is directly written "for Helen" while H.D. talks to a larger audience. Poe is intimate and romantic while H.D. is full of disgust and blames Helen for the Trojan War. The speaker in the "To Helen" praises Helen, "How statue-like I see thee stand." The speaker in "Helen" is all but soft on Helen, "the wan face when she smiles, hating it deeper still."
     The imagery in "To Helen" is gentle and filled with love. The images are soft and appeal to the senses, "That gently, o'er a perfumed sea." The imagery in "To Helen" makes her a victim to the Trojan War but in "Helen" she is the enemy. H.D. sees her as the cause of their grief which is why he takes on such a hateful tone. Poe is sweet and romantic. He uses a calm and thoughtful tone when he speaks of Helen because he is trying to make the audience feel that same appreciation for her. Helen is perceived as both the problem and the victim. This contrast help the audience understand to different view points on both Helen and her involvement in the Trojan War.
     A contrast in works of literature, both in them and between them, helps give the subject greater depth and meaning. In Poe's "To Helen" and H.D.'s "Helen" Helen is viewed form two different angles. In one she is praised and in the other she is despised but this is only possible with the help of supporting literary elements.