How Do You Compare Two Literary Works?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  1. Consider which works you want to compare/contrast.
  2. Reread your selections taking notes as you go. You could make a list of themes from each work and compare them side by side. …
  3. Try to determine the central theme of the work you are considering.
  4. Look for a second work that has a similar theme.

How do you write a comparison in literature?

  1. Assumption. Although an essay may simply state to compare two literary texts, the assumption is that you should contrast the texts as well. …
  2. Identify the Basis for . …
  3. Develop a List of Similarities and Differences. …
  4. Develop a Thesis Statement and Structure.

Why is it important to compare and contrast literary works?

A compare-and-contrast essay analyzes two subjects by either comparing them, contrasting them, or both. The purpose of writing a comparison or contrast essay is not to state the obvious but

rather to illuminate subtle differences or unexpected similarities between two subjects

.

How do you write a compare and contrast essay for literature?

  • Begin by Brainstorming With a Venn Diagram. …
  • Develop a Thesis Statement. …
  • Create an Outline. …
  • Write the Introduction. …
  • Write the First Body Paragraph. …
  • Repeat the Process for the Next Paragraphs. …
  • Write the Conclusion. …
  • Proofread.

What is the word when you compare two things?


Simile

: A comparison of two different things using the word like or as. Page 1.

What is comparison and contrast in writing?

Comparison in writing

discusses elements that are similar

, while contrast in writing discusses elements that are different. A compare-and-contrast essay, then, analyzes two subjects by comparing them, contrasting them, or both.

How do you compare two stories in an essay?

  1. 1 Compare Plots. You can discuss the plot, which is what happens in each story. …
  2. 2 Examine Characters. Another option is to compare the main characters. …
  3. 3 Consider Point of View. You can also compare the point of view the writers use to tell their stories. …
  4. 4 Evaluate Writing Styles.

What is a comparison essay examples?

For example,

Red Delicious apples are sweet

, while Granny Smiths are tart and acidic. … For a comparison essay, you likely would not choose two apples or two oranges because they share so many of the same properties already. Rather, you might try to compare how apples and oranges are quite similar.

How do you start a compare and contrast paragraph?


Begin with a topic sentence

that explains one area of comparison between your first subject and your second subject. For example, if your subjects are two different countries and your paragraph topic is political structure, you can start by broadly describing each country's political processes.

How do you express similarities and differences?

  • We can use like or as to say that things are similar.
  • Like is a preposition. It is used before a noun or a pronoun which acts as its object.
  • As is a conjunction. …
  • In informal English like is often used a conjunction instead of as. …
  • Comparison with as and like after negatives.

What is comparison and contrast examples?

Generally speaking, comparing is showing the similarities, and

contrasting is showing differences between two things that are related in some way

. For example, you wouldn't compare/contrast reading a book to driving a car, but you would compare reading a book to reading with an e-reader.

What is the importance of comparison and contrast in writing?

Compare & Contrast

acts as a practical and easy-to-use introduction to higher-order thinking

. Compare & Contrast improves comprehension by highlighting important details, making abstract ideas more concrete, and reducing the confusion between related concepts (think meiosis versus mitosis).

What is exemplification in reading and writing?

Exemplification means

to provide examples about something

. In this type of essay, examples act as supporting material to explain or clarify a generalization. … Examples should be carefully chosen so that they will appeal to readers and help them understand the main point of your essay.

What's the difference between an essay and a short story?

The most significant difference between a short story and a personal essay is that a short story is

normally fiction

, while a personal essay is autobiographical. … They are only limited as far as the author's imagination, while a personal essay is limited by the actual events that happened to the author.

How do you compare numbers?

The easiest way to compare numbers is

to draw a number line and mark the numbers you want to compare on it

. On the number line, the value of the number is increasing from left to the right. The conclusion is that if the number is positioned to the right of the number , then the number is larger than the number .

How do you start a comparative essay example?

The best introductions start

with a hook

—such as a rhetorical question or a bold statement. After your hook, introduce the subjects that you will examine in your essay. Your thesis statement should come at the end of the introduction.

Leah Jackson
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Leah Jackson
Leah is a relationship coach with over 10 years of experience working with couples and individuals to improve their relationships. She holds a degree in psychology and has trained with leading relationship experts such as John Gottman and Esther Perel. Leah is passionate about helping people build strong, healthy relationships and providing practical advice to overcome common relationship challenges.