Compare the ways in which writers present 'loss of innocence' in 'war photographer' by Carol Ann Duffy and 'Hide and Seek' . You should make reference to language, form and structure . Support your answer with examples in the poem.

In both 'War Photographer' by Carol Ann Duffy and 'Hide and Seek', the theme of 'loss of innocence' is explored, albeit in different contexts.

In 'War Photographer', Duffy presents the loss of innocence through the lens of a war photographer who is tasked with capturing the horrors of war. The use of language in the poem is stark and brutal, reflecting the harsh realities that the photographer witnesses. For example, Duffy uses phrases like "spools of suffering" and "fields which don’t explode beneath the feet of running children in a nightmare heat" to depict the gruesome scenes of war. The structure of the poem, with its four six-line stanzas, creates a sense of order and control, contrasting with the chaos and violence of the scenes being described. This could be seen as a reflection of the photographer's attempt to maintain his own innocence and humanity amidst the horrors he witnesses.

On the other hand, 'Hide and Seek' presents the loss of innocence in a more subtle and personal context. The language used in the poem is more playful and childlike, reflecting the innocence of the child protagonist. However, as the poem progresses, the language becomes more ominous and foreboding, hinting at the impending loss of innocence. For example, phrases like "the darkening garden watches" and "the bushes hold their breath" create a sense of unease and anticipation. The structure of the poem, with its irregular line lengths and lack of consistent rhyme scheme, mirrors the unpredictability and chaos of childhood and the process of growing up.

In conclusion, both 'War Photographer' and 'Hide and Seek' explore the theme of 'loss of innocence', but they do so in different ways. 'War Photographer' uses stark and brutal language to depict the horrors of war, while 'Hide and Seek' uses more subtle and ominous language to hint at the impending loss of innocence. The structure of both poems also plays a significant role in conveying this theme.