I was asked to write an essay to compare 2 poems. I don't really know how to compare them. Please help. Compare Wordsworth’s “Tintern...

When comparing two poems, you generally are being asked to
explain the similarities and the differences between the two.  Depending on what the
assignment is, you can compare theme, narrative voice, literary devices, or (in the case
of two different authors) the writers' approaches to their
work.

Since you have two poems by Wordsworth, you should be
focusing on theme and variation.  "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" is one of Wordsworth's
most famous poems, while "Tintern Abbey" is, in my personal opinion, far more beautiful
and reflective.

Both poems deal with the difference between
being AT a place, and dreaming OF being at the same place.  Wordsworth composed "Tintern
Abbey" at a visit to the abbey, as you will read in the poem's link
below. 

Without giving you the direct answers for your
assignment, your main focus should be on the aforementioned points. 
Again:

• Both poems deal with dreaming
  of/daydreaming of being at a beloved place


• Both poems
  deal with being AT the beloved place


• There is absence and
  presence at different points in each poem


• Each poem is
  consumed with the love of nature, and the longing for inner
  peace


• One poem is quite long; the other is very short,
  yet both contain the same basic message

Now,
with these points in mind, reread the two poems (as provided in the links below) and
take notes on their similarities of style, meaning, and visuals.  Take notes on their
differences, as well. 

You can easily construct a good
comparison paper with these ideas in mind, but make sure you study the poems
themselves.  Reading poetry with an eager eye and professional reading habits will do
two things: 1. You will gain insight and knowledge of the poetry and poet; 2. You'll
appreciate the craft itself, and find your life more enriched by the words of the
long-ago. 

Hope this helps you!