Dr. McDermott

 STRUCTURING THE COMPARE/CONTRAST ESSAY

For comparisons of complex texts, the point-by-point method is preferable.  It offers more flexibility in topic headings, and allows you to analyze two texts simultaneously, avoiding the temptation merely to present parallel summaries.

MOST IMPORTANT:  Your thesis must NEVER, NEVER, NEVER simply state that there are similarities and differences between two works — that is the assumption underlying the assignment.  Your discussion must look deeper, into the underlying causes of those similarities and differences. If you begin drafting your thesis by posing a QUESTION, you will be on the right track.

STRUCTURING a point-by-point comparison is simple:  all you need to do is to identify three or more criteria for your comparison.  These criteria will be based on issues of style, characterization, theme development, plot development, diction and tone, literary traditions, genres, etc. 

Pay attention, too, to TRANSITIONS between your sentences and paragraphs.  The logical connections you are making between your examples are very important — don’t assume that simply juxtaposing two ideas or examples will make the implied relationship clear.  Refer to your handout on transitions for maximum options.

 Following is a model structure based on the assignment: “Discuss the use of the Noah’s Ark story in the epic Gilgamesh and in the Book of Genesis.”

THESIS:  Both Gilgamesh and Genesis contain a narrative [I] in which God destroys the earth by water but preserves a single family with which to start over.  Perhaps this coincidence occurs because humans in general tend to associate water as a symbol [II] with both death and rebirth.  Although both narratives are similar in plot and symbol patterns, the fact that they are so different in tone [III] may teach us something about the difference between Babylonian and Judeo-Christian belief [IV] in the perfectability of humanity. 

BODY:

I.  Narrative Strategies

        A. Genesis

                        1.  brief summary of Noah story

                        2. theological lesson it teaches

        B.  Gilgamesh

                        1.  brief summary of Utnapishtim story

                        2. theological lesson it teaches

II.  Water as Symbol

        A.  Genesis

                        1.  operating as creative force

                                        a. example 1

                                        b. example 2

                        2.  operating as destructive force

                                        a. example 1

                                        b. example 2

        B.  Gilgamesh

                        1.  operating as creative force

                                        a. example 1

                                        b. example 2

                        2.  operating as destructive force

                                        a. example 1

                                        b. example 2

III.  Tone

        A.  Genesis — redemptive

                                        a. example 1

                                        b. example 2

        B.  Gilgamesh — cynical   

                                        a. example 1

                                        b. example 2

IV.  World Views/Beliefs

        A.  Judeo-Christian belief in salvation

        B.  Babylonian belief in inevitable conflict between gods and humans

CONCLUSION:  Ideally will express (without offering any new material or examples) a critical opinion as to how effectively each narrative communicates its culture’s concern