HTML Preview Literary Comparison Contrast Essay page number 1.
Comparison/Contrast - The process of examining two or more things
in order to establish their similarities and differences.
After reading two selections, you will write a comparison/contrast essay
using the guidelines provided in this packet.
1. Any relationship between two or more things will involve some
degree of SIMILARITY, as well as some degree of DIFFERENCE.
2. Comparisons can be found in any kind of writing: magazine articles,
advertising, essays, news articles, letters, editorials, textbooks,
scientific writing, reports, political speeches, and pamphlets.
3. We make comparisons when we have to choose between two or
more things: careers, products, political candidates, goals, etc.
4. Comparisons underlie everything we do. Scientists use comparisons
in their experiments. Logicians use them to draw conclusions.
Politicians use them to formulate policies. Judges use them to render
decisions. Ministers teach and admonish us with comparisons.
When writing a literary comparison, you will answer the question:
So What?
In other words, you will not only explain the similarities and differences
between the two (or more) literary works, but also explain the significance
of your comparison. A comparison intends to inform readers of something
they haven’t thought of before. Therefore, for a comparison to be illumi-
nating, the things compared must either:
1. Appear different but have significant similarities; i.e., Star
Wars and Return of the Jedi.
2. Or, appear similar but have significant differences; i.e., Classic
Star Trek and Star Trek: The Next Generation.
You must have a purpose for your comparison. The reader of the
comparison should not have to ask SO WHAT? at the end of your essay.
Comparison/Contrast:
Assignment:
For Your
Information:
How to Write a
Literary
Comparison/Contrast
Essay
School Curriculum Specialists, LLC
1
In a comparison/contrast essay you are explaining the differences between two or more things,
as well as explaining, or at least alluding to, what the two things have in common.
The Literary
Essay
Literary Devices
Word Choice
Point of View
Theme
Author