compare and contrast poem essay outline

Poetry & Poets

Explore the beauty of poetry – discover the poet within

How To Structure A Poetry Comparison Essay

Introduction

Comparing two poems typically involves analyzing the content and structure of the poetry, as well as its universal themes, language, and the imagery used. Writing a poetry comparison essay is considered a formidable task for many because determining the similarities and differences between two pieces of poetry can be quite difficult. With the right approach, however, it’s quite possible to produce an impressive essay. For example, It’s essential to understand that it doesn’t suffice to point out the differences and similarities between two pieces of poetry, explain how they compare and contrast, and then summarize the findings. To write a successful paper, one needs to apply higher-level thinking to structure information gathered from researching the poems. This article provides useful tips on how to compare two poems and structure a successful poetry comparison essay.

Finding two poems to compare

The first step to writing a successful poetry comparison essay is finding two poems to compare. To facilitate this process, one can choose two poems by the same author or two poems on the same subject or theme. Alternatively, one can compare or contrast poems from different authors with content that explores the same themes, such as love, war, etc. Alternatively, one can go through existing literary criticism material or search in literary databases to find poets/poems to compare.

Creating a thesis statement

Next, it’s essential to put together a persuasive thesis statement that explains how two poems are related in terms of a specific literary element or idea. A thesis statement should make a direct, clear, and concise point. It’s also important to back up points made with direct citations or reference to the poems. Depending on the topic of the essay, the thesis statement may contain a number of concepts discussed in the body of the essay.

Outlining the paper

The structure of the paper should include an introduction with a thesis statement, a body, and a conclusion. A great example of an outline for this type of paper would be as follows: 1. Introduction with a thesis statement 2. Explain the first poem 3. Explain the second poem 4. Discussion of the differences and similarities between the two poems 5. Conclusion Moreover, it’s important to clearly point out how the comparison of the two poems relates back to the thesis statement. If the paper is more than 5 paragraphs, one may consider adding a paragraph discussing how each poem imparts a certain meaning or provides insight into a larger idea, such as how two poets view a single subject differently.

Discussing structure

When discussing the structure of two poems, one must look at how both poems are organized. This includes paying attention to the titles of the poems, the length of the lines, and the use of words. Perhaps, one poem has a traditional structure and rhythm, while the other is more flexible in terms of structure. Maybe the two poems have a similar tone or mood, yet have different ideas about a particular topic. How the poems use language to provide perspective or build an idea is also essential to consider.

Analyzing content

For this section, it’s important to focus on comparing the content and ideas of both poems. This includes looking at the themes, imagery, and characters in the poems, as well as the symbols, metaphors, and figurative language used by the characters. Likewise, one can analyze the type of diction and syntax that is used to create a certain tone or mood. Moreover, it’s important to consider how the message or meaning of a poem changes when it is viewed as part of a larger context. For example, is the author expressing a particular point of view, or is the poem a response to a previous poem?

Comparing universal themes

The final element to consider when writing a poetry comparison essay is the universal themes that are evident in each poem. Universal themes are the underlying messages that give shape to the poem and can be found in most poems. Examples of universal themes include love, loss, mortality, loneliness, joy, and growth. It’s important to examine how the poets explore these universal themes in each poem and consider how the themes work together to create a unique perspective. Additionally, one can consider how a poem might be interpreted differently by different readers due to their personal experiences.

In conclusion, writing a successful poetry comparison essay requires an in-depth analysis of two poems and the development of an overall argument or point of view. It’s essential to pick two poems to compare, create a thesis statement, develop an organized outline, and analyze the structure, content, and universal themes of both poems. With the right attention to detail and strategy, it is possible to write a successful, impactful, and well-structured poetry comparison essay.

Discussing structure of each poem

When evaluating the structure of both poems, one should focus on the title, length of lines, and the words used. For instance, one poem may have a traditional structure and rhythm, while the other might have a looser structure with irregular recurring patterns. On top of that, the two poems may or may not have the same tone or mood. It may be worth noting the difference in how the authors use words to help build their ideas.

Activity: Describing Content of each poem

When it comes to the content of both poems, consider to analyse the themes, characters, and symbols in each work. For example, what type of metaphors are used? What kind of diction and syntax help to create the mood and tone? Also, try to look at how the idea of each poem works within a larger context. For instance, is the poem a response to another poem or is it a stand-alone work?

Examining universal themes

The core messages in both pieces of poetry are known as the universal themes. These themes could be something like love, loss, or mortality. Look for these themes and analyse how each author explores those universal themes. Additionally, consider how the poem might be interpreted differently based upon different reader’s individual experiences.

Structuring the paper

When it comes to putting the paper together, you will need to create an outline. A great outline would be something like: Introduction, explanation of each poem, comparison of differences and similarities, and conclusion. Remind yourself of the thesis statement and make sure the comparison of both poems relates back to it. If the paper is more than 5 paragraphs, consider adding a section discussing how each poem imparts a certain meaning or provides insight into a larger idea.

Minnie Walters

Minnie Walters is a passionate writer and lover of poetry. She has a deep knowledge and appreciation for the work of famous poets such as William Wordsworth, Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, and many more. She hopes you will also fall in love with poetry!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

The Hyperbolit School

Your trusty englit guide.

How to compare poems – 5 steps

Previously, I wrote a post on how to analyse any unseen poem , which a lot of you found useful. One of you asked if I could also write a guide on how to compare poems, so that’s what this post is for. 

What’s the deal with comparative analysis – and why does it always seem so much harder…? 

Between an unseen single-poem analysis task and a prepared comparative poetry analysis task, which one would you prefer?

Both can be tricky to master, but neither is unmanageable – we just need to find the right strategy. 

Personally, I think the reason that comparative tasks seem more challenging is largely psychological. It’s not so much that the act of comparing texts itself is hard as it is that we get easily flustered when asked to multitask – especially in a high-stress situation like an exam.

Obviously, if these are set texts that you can prepare for, that should relieve a lot of the stress which would otherwise come with tackling an unseen comparative task (with the right sort of guidance, granted). 

So, what’s my point here?

I’m trying to say if you find comparative tasks intimidating, don’t – because

a) there’s a systematic way to go about doing it well, and

b) I’m going to show you just how to do it in this post, complete with steps and examples. 

5 steps to comparing any poems: a guide

Step 1: summarise the main idea of each poem in 1-2 sentences , step 2: find similarities – thematic, stylistic, structural and formal, step 3: find differences from similarities , step 4: identify 3 key ideas for comparison, step 5: summarise your main argument in a comparative statement.

Or watch my video below, in which I go through the 5 steps to comparing poems (but stick around this blog post for a demonstration of how to do it in the next section, where I compare Carol Rumens and Seamus Heaney’s poems):

What’s the first thing we do when encountering any poem? We read it, of course. But what do you do after you first read the poem? We’re likely to re-read it – either because we don’t really ‘get it’ the first time round, or because we need to start sourcing clues for our analysis. 

Re-reading is all good and well (not to mention necessary), but the problem with it is there’s potentially no end to how many times we could re-read a poem, and so the more we re-read, the more we’re likely to be led into a labyrinthe of questions, which causes more confusion. In normal, non-exam circumstances, that’s perfectly fine, but if you’re racing against time, then a better tactic is to read once, then summarise your first impressions; read twice, and summarise the main idea of the poem. 

But, what if I really don’t get it? Obviously, there’s room to take ‘once’ or ‘twice’ liberally, so no issues if you have to re-read a couple of times before you can summarise anything. My point, however, is not to get sucked into an endless process of reading and re-reading, because before long you’ll have whittled all your time away – only to have nothing to show for it at the end. 

To prevent this, start actively engaging with the poem by asking yourself these questions immediately after reading it: 

What is the main gist of the poem’s content?

How do I feel after reading this poem? 

What are some themes or ideas that jump out at me? 

Is there anything special or weird about this poem? 

Etcetera. 

Then, scribble them down on your planning sheet (you should always plan before you write!), so at least you’re visualizing your response to the poem, which gives you a much better place to start than simply keeping everything in an abstract, befuddled jumble in your head. These notes don’t have to be long – just 1-2 sentences or even bullet points will suffice. 

Once we’ve settled on a main understanding of the poems, it’s time to switch our thinking to a ‘lateral’ mode. By ‘lateral’, I mean to think across both poems in terms of different aspects of analysis (i.e. theme, style, structure, form), instead of focusing on only one poem at a time. 

Let’s start by looking at the similarities in theme, style, structure and form between the poems. If you’ve read my post on ‘how to tackle any unseen poetry’ (which you should!), you’ll know I love me some tables, rows and columns, so here’s a sample table for us to systematise our observations:

Similarities between Poem A and Poem B

Again, as I’ve mentioned in the unseen post, the ability to spot these similarities (and differences, as we’ll cover in the next step) is predicated on us being familiar with the technical basics. I.e., we can’t spot a metaphor if we don’t know what metaphor means, so make sure that you sort out the fundamentals first – a wobbly foundation is no place to start any poetry analysis task, comparative, unseen, or otherwise.

Differences across poems can appear on multiple levels. There can be complete differences (e.g. Poem A is a sonnet whereas Poem B is a ballad), but more often, we’re looking for ‘differences within similarities’. This is why a good place to start identifying differences is, perhaps a bit ironically, in our similarities table. 

The guiding questions to ask, then, would include the following:

How do the poems present the same theme in different ways? 

How do the poets use the same stylistic, structural or formal techniques to present different aspects of the theme? 

For instance, while both poems may be about love, A could be about unrequited love and B about mutual love, so there’s a thematic difference for you. Alternatively, both poems may feature comparative devices, but while metaphors are used to compare love with dandelions in Poem A, similes could be used to compare love with an onion in Poem B.

Likewise, both poems may be odes , but perhaps A is a Pindaric ode, while B is a Horatian ode (for a more detailed explanation of the ode, read this post). So on so forth. You’ll notice that the ‘differences’, then, could simply be your analysis of the different quotations you’ve sourced for each poem’s ‘similarities’. 

So instead of creating a new table, we can add one extra line underneath each aspect of analysis to address how each ‘similarity’ differs across the poems, like this: 

Once we’ve reviewed all the ‘differences-in-similarities’, we can then zoom out and see if there are other fundamental points of divergence between the poems, i.e. is there something in Poem A that’s totally absent from Poem B, and vice versa? If it serves your argument to also bring these points in, then feel free to add them in. 

Now that we’ve mapped out all the thematic, stylistic, structural and formal similarities and differences, it’s time to zoom in on how the theme is presented from various angles through the use of style, structure and form.

This means going back to the quotations we’ve sourced for the stylistic, structural and formal categories in each table, and looking at how these quotations present the theme in different ways through the poet’s use of techniques.

The purpose of this is to identify 3 main points of discussion for our main body section, which could look something like this:

Main body 1: How the poems present the nature of love (unrequited vs mutual)

• Techniques used for this: Poem A (metaphor); Poem B (rhyme) 

Main body 2: How the poems present the fickleness of love, regardless of unrequited or mutual affections 

• Techniques used for this: Poem A (organic imagery); Poem B (irony) 

Main body 3: How the poems reach their respective revelation about the role of love in our lives

• Techniques used for this: Poem A (indentation / formal variation); Poem B (rhyming couplet at the end)

Together, your 3 main body points should cover the entirety of both texts, and not be limited to just one section of each poem. As for the ‘techniques used’, these should come in organically as part of your analysis, as you explain how the poet(s) convey these ideas through the use of metaphor , rhyme, organic imagery , irony etc. 

One more point to note is this: even within a comparative framework, there’s likely to be an arc of transformation in the way a theme is portrayed in each poem.

So, if Poem A is about unrequited love, does it begin in a despairing tone, but ends on a more stoic note? And if Poem B is about mutual love, is the idea presented in a purely joyful light throughout the poem, or does an element of doubt seep in halfway?

It’s important that we pay attention to these changes within each poem even while comparing across poems. 

Finally, let’s summarise the poems’ similarities and differences in a comparative statement.

This should be the guiding thesis for your essay, which also doubles as your main line of argument and cascades into points of analysis for the main body section.

Perhaps it seems a bit odd to ‘work backwards’ by coming up with the introductory thesis at the end of our planning process, but it works, because when you think about it, your argument should be a distillation of your main points, which are the specifics in each main body paragraph. 

To formulate the thesis, use comparative sentence structures like the following:

While both Poem A and Poem B are about…, Poem A portrays… as…, whereas Poem B casts… as… 

Poem A and Poem B are concerned with…, but Poem A presents… in a … light, while Poem B paints… as…

In Poem A, … is depicted as… However, this same subject matter is dealt with differently in Poem B, where the poet portrays… as… 

Your comparative thesis should be thematic in nature (i.e. it spells out how a theme is portrayed across both poems); any shared or different techniques could either be left to the main body analysis, or – if it helps clarify your focus as you go on to write the rest of your essay – you could add one follow-up sentence after the comparative thesis to summarise the technical overlaps and divergences between the poems.

For example, “Poem A relies mainly on comparative devices and imagery, while Poem B features personification and rhyme to convey the nuances of…” etc etc. But this is largely optional. 

Quick demonstration: Carol Rumens’ ‘The Emigree’ vs Seamus Heaney’s ‘Storm on an Island’ | AQA GCSE English Literature Power and Conflict Poetry

Below, I’ll demonstrate how we can apply these steps to a comparison between two GCSE Power and Conflict poems – Carol Rumens’ ‘The Emigree’ and Seamus Heaney’s ‘Storm on an Island’. 

You can refer to the texts here (The Emigree) and here (Storm on an Island).

In ‘Emigree’, the persona is a political exile (hence the title) who has left her home country to escape political persecution. In the poem, she reminisces about her native city with nostalgic fondness, while conveying her awareness of the tyrannical threat that lurks in the shadows of her past. In a nutshell, she misses home but knows that she will probably never be able to return. 

The main idea of ‘Storm in an Island’ is that we’re often afraid of things that aren’t out to get us. We prepare for potential dangers, and yet are unaware that we can’t always prepare for them, or that they usually turn out to not be dangerous at all. In this poem, the persona initially sees nature as a force of threat, but ultimately understands that while nature is forceful, it doesn’t have to be threatening. 

Main idea 1: Preserving the home against external dangers  

• In ‘The Emigree’, the persona fights back against her political persecutors by preserving a pure memory of her home city
• In ‘Storm’, the persona braces himself for a potentially devastating storm by fortifying the structures of his home
• Techniques used: war and natural imagery

Main idea 2: Reality vs expectation / ideal

• In ‘The Emigree’, the persona would ideally like to return to her city, but it is implied that those in power back home do not welcome her presence.
• In ‘Storm’, the persona anticipates a threatening storm, but ultimately realises that it’s much less destructive than he had expected it to be.
• Techniques used: alliteration (plosives vs sibilants) 

Main idea 3: The turbulent nature of life 

• In ‘The Emigree’, the persona is unmoored from her roots, and as an exile, she constantly struggles with conflicted emotions about wanting to return and yet knowing that she probably can never do so.
• In ‘Storm’, nature is seen to be a turbulent force that changes in ways humans can’t quite anticipate.
• Techniques used: enjambment and varied lineation 

Both ‘The Emigree’ and ‘Storm on an Island’ present the individual in the face of external dangers, whether real or imagined. However, while Rumens’ persona faces the threat of political persecution, and chooses to counter it by preserving a purer memory of her home, Heaney’s persona over-calculates the dangers of the storm, and eventually discovers that his fear of nature is largely unjustified. 

Bit of a mammoth post, I know, but I hope this helps break down the poetry comparison process into digestible chunks! If you have any questions, reach out to me here .

To read other study guides, check out my posts below: 

• How to ace any Shakespeare question
• How to analyse any unseen poem – 3 top tips
• How to revise for English Literature – 8 top tips

share this with a friend!

• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Leave a comment Cancel reply

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

Compare And Contrast Essay

Compare And Contrast Essay Outline

Learn How to Create a Compare and Contrast Essay Outline - With Examples & Tips

11 min read

People also read

Your Ultimate Guide to Compare and Contrast Essays

Interesting Compare and Contrast Essay Topics & Ideas

Compare And Contrast Essay Examples & Samples

Compare and contrast essays are a common academic assignment that requires you to analyze the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. 

However, you need a strong outline as your foundation to craft a successful and compelling essay. Outlining organizes your points logically and makes your writing more coherent. 

So how do you start with making a good outline?

This blog will walk you through the steps of creating an effective compare and contrast essay outline. You’ll also get some helpful practical tips and examples along the way. 

Let’s get into it!

• 1. What is a Compare and Contrast Essay Outline?
• 2. Two Types of Compare & Contrast Essay Structure
• 3. Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Compare & Contrast Outline 
• 4. Compare and Contrast Essay Outline Examples
• 5. Tips for Making Better Compare and Contrast Outlines

What is a Compare and Contrast Essay Outline?

An outline for a compare and contrast essay aims to organize all the information in a readable manner. It's a roadmap that lays out how you organize and present your ideas.

Here are the main goals of an outline:

• Clarity and Organization: An outline helps you organize your thoughts and ideas in a clear and structured manner. It ensures that all the ideas are presented in a systematic way.
• Efficiency: Creating an outline streamlines the writing process. It saves you time by providing a clear direction. It keeps the writer focused on developing the main argument and supporting evidence.
• Prevention of Overlooking Key Points: With a well-constructed outline, you're less likely to overlook essential points. It serves as a checklist for your essay, ensuring that it is comprehensive and balanced.

Two Types of Compare & Contrast Essay Structure

Before we dive into the outlining steps, you should know about the two main organizing strategies for this type of essay:

• Point-by-Point Structure (or organization by criteria)
• Block Method (or organization by item)

Each approach offers unique advantages and is suited to different writing situations. Let's explore these two structures in detail.

Point-by-Point Structure

The point-by-point structure involves comparing and contrasting specific aspects of your chosen subjects.

For instance, when comparing two car models point-by-point, you can first compare and discuss their fuel efficiency, then interior space, and finally compare and contrast their tech features.

This way, you proceed by covering each aspect at a time. Here is what this structure looks like:

Block Method

The block method, also known as organization by item, offers a different approach to structuring your compare and contrast essay. 

In this structure, you present all the information about one subject before moving on to the other, and finally compare and evaluate the subjects in the last paragraph before the conclusion. 

This straightforward approach is particularly useful when your subjects have few similarities and differences. Here’s an example of a block method compare and contrast:

Now that you know about the two types of compare and contrast outlines, let’s move on to how to craft them.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Compare & Contrast Outline 

Creating a compare and contrast essay outline may seem like a complex task, but fear not! Following these simple steps below will make outlining easier and smoother.

Step 1: Choose Your Subjects & Gather Information

Step 2: identify key points of comparison, step 3: develop a thesis statement.

• Step 4: Organize Your Outline 

Let’s get into each of these steps:

The first and most crucial step is to select the subjects or topics you'll be comparing and contrasting. Make sure that your subjects are related and offer meaningful comparisons. 

Determine the purpose of your essay. Are you aiming to persuade, inform, or simply analyze? Understanding your purpose will help you gather relevant information about your subjects and shape your thesis statement.

Looking for topic ideas? Find 100+ compare and contrast essay topics to write about.

Consider the aspects or criteria you'll use to compare and contrast your subjects. These will become the basis for your body paragraphs. Common approaches include similarities and differences in structure, content, historical context, or impact of your chosen subjects.

Your thesis statement is the heart of your essay. It should concisely state the main point or argument of your essay and provide a roadmap for what your readers can expect. Make sure it reflects the essence of your comparison.

Step 4: Organize Your Outline

Now, it's time to create the actual outline structure. There are three components of an essay outline:

• Introduction
• The main body

Start with the basic framework:

Compare and Contrast Essay Introduction

An essay introduction aims to present your compare and contrast subjects and provide some context.  

In the introduction part of your outline, you should add the following:

• Hook Statement - A hook is the opening sentence of your essay that aims to catch the readers’ attention. Depending on the topic, choose a catchy statement for your introduction to make it interesting for the readers. 
• Points about Significance/Context - To make your essay introduction strong and engaging, add the points about the context or significance of the topic to your outline.
• Thesis Statement - A thesis statement is the writer’s main argument about the topic. 

Compare and Contrast Essay Body Paragraphs

Before outlining your body paragraphs, choose one of the two structures described above. That is, choose whether you want to write your essay in a point-by-point structure or by the block method.

Here’s what to add to your body paragraph outline if it follows a point by point organization:

If you’re using the block method, here’s what your body paragraph outline should include:

Conclusion 

In your outline for the conclusion, you should include the following components:

• Restate the Thesis: Reiterate your thesis statement, emphasizing the main argument of your essay. This reinforces the central message you want your readers to take away.
• Summarized Points: Summarize the points you made in the body paragraphs.
• Final Insight or Observation: Add a final insight, observation, or thought to end the conclusion. This could be a reflection on the significance of your comparisons, a call to action, or a broader perspective on the topic.

Starting with gathering information and ending with a complete outline, these 4 easy steps will let you have a great start.

Compare and Contrast Essay Outline Examples

Here are some outline examples that will make it easy for you to understand the process described above. Check them out to see what your final outlines should look like.

5 Paragraph Compare And Contrast Essay Outline Example

Compare And Contrast Essay Outline Middle School

Compare And Contrast Essay Outline 5th Grade

Compare And Contrast Essay Outline 6th Grade

Compare And Contrast Essay Outline High School

Compare And Contrast Essay Outline Point By Point

Compare And Contrast Essay Outline Block Method

Oedipus and Hamlet Compare And Contrast Essay Outline

Argumentative Compare and Contrast Essay Outline

Want to read complete essays instead? Check out our blog on compare and contrast essay examples to read expertly written samples!

Tips for Making Better Compare and Contrast Outlines

Creating a compare and contrast essay outline is a crucial step in the essay-writing process. With the right tips, you can make your outlines more effective and efficient. 

Here are some valuable tips to help you craft better compare and contrast outlines:

• Clarify Your Purpose: Before you start outlining, ensure you have a clear understanding of the purpose of your essay. Are you aiming to inform or analyze and evaluate? Your outline should align with your essay's objectives.
• Choose the Right Structure: Select the structure (point-by-point or block method) that best suits your subjects and the nature of your comparison. Some topics may work better with one method over the other.
• Be Consistent: Maintain consistency in your outline. Use the same format for each body paragraph, making it easier for you to stay organized and for your readers to follow your argument.
• Prioritize Key Points: Not all comparisons and contrasts are of equal importance. Focus on the most significant aspects to avoid overwhelming your essay with minor details.
• Balance Similarities and Differences: Ensure your outline includes a balanced mix of similarities and differences. This balance contributes to a well-rounded and persuasive essay.
• Review and Revise: After creating your initial outline, take a step back and review it critically. Does it effectively convey your ideas? Are there any redundancies or gaps in your comparisons? Make revisions as needed.
• Stay Focused: It's easy to get sidetracked when comparing and contrasting. Stick to your chosen criteria and avoid going off-topic in your outline.
• Use Clear Language: Keep your outline concise and use clear, straightforward language. Avoid jargon or overly complex sentences that could confuse your readers.
• Seek Feedback: If possible, share your outline with a peer or instructor for feedback. They can offer valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.

To Conclude,

Crafting a well-structured compare and contrast essay outline is a skill that can elevate your essays. We've explored the purpose, components, and step-by-step process for creating effective outlines. You’re now equipped to shape your ideas, organize your arguments, and guide your readers through compelling comparisons and contrasts. 

Remember, outlining isn't just a preliminary step; it's your blueprint for essay excellence. So utilize the steps and tips you learned above to craft excellent comparison essays!

Still, if you are looking for expert guidance and custom-written essays, MyPerfectWords.com is here for you. Just request us to “do my essay” and our professional writers will provide tailored essays within your deadline. 

So let our writing services ease your essay burden - Contact Now!

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

• school Campus Bookshelves
• menu_book Bookshelves
• perm_media Learning Objects
• login Login
• how_to_reg Request Instructor Account
• hub Instructor Commons
• Download Page (PDF)
• Download Full Book (PDF)
• Periodic Table
• Physics Constants
• Scientific Calculator
• Reference & Cite
• Tools expand_more
• Readability

selected template will load here

This action is not available.

8.6: Essay Type- Comparing and Contrasting Literature

• Last updated
• Save as PDF
• Page ID 101138

• Heather Ringo & Athena Kashyap
• City College of San Francisco via ASCCC Open Educational Resources Initiative

Compare and Contrast Essay Basics

The Compare and Contrast Essay is a literary analysis essay, but, instead of examining one work, it examines two or more works. These works must be united by a common theme or thesis statement. For example, while a literary analysis essay might explore the significance of ghosts in William Shakespeare's Hamlet, a compare/contrast essay might explore the significance of the supernatural in Hamlet and Macbeth .

Literary Analysis Thesis Statement:

While Horatio seems to think the ghost of Old Hamlet is a demon trying to lead Hamlet to death, and Gertrude and Claudius think it is a figment of Hamlet's insanity, Hamlet's status as an unreliable narrator and the ghost actually symbolizes the oppression of Catholics during Shakespeare's time period.

Compare and Contrast Thesis Statement:

The unreliable narrators paired with the ghosts in both Hamlet and Macbeth symbolize the oppression of Catholics in Shakespeare's time period.

Essay Genre Expectations

• Use first-person pronouns sparingly (you, me, we, our)
• Avoid colloquialisms
• Spell out contractions
• Use subject-specific terminology, such as naming literary devices
• Texts: two or more
• Avoid summary. Aim for analysis and interpretation
• MLA formatting and citations

Organization

While the literary analysis essay follows a fairly simple argumentative essay structure, the compare and contrast essay is slightly more complicated. It might be arranged by:

• Literary work (the block method)
• Topics/subtopics (the point-by-point method)

In general, ensure each paragraph supports the thesis statement and that both literary works receive equal attention. Include as many body paragraphs as needed to build your argument.

First Option for Organization: The Block Method

In this first option for organization, you will need to discuss both literary works in the introduction and thesis statement, but then the body of the paper will be divided in half. The first half of the body paragraphs should focus on one literary work, while the second half of the body paragraphs should focus on the other literary work.

• Background of topic
• Background of works related to topic
• Thesis Statement
• Topic sentence
• Introduction of evidence
• Evidence from the first literary work
• Explanation of evidence
• Analysis of evidence
• Evidence from the second literary work
• Restatement of thesis in new words
• Summary of essay arguments

Second Option for Organization: The Point-by-Point Method

With this second option for organization, you may decide to write about both literary works within the same body paragraph every time, or you may choose to consistently alternate back and forth between the literary works in separate body paragraphs.

• Evidence from both literary works

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

• Knowledge Base
• Comparing and contrasting in an essay | Tips & examples

Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay | Tips & Examples

Published on August 6, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

Comparing and contrasting is an important skill in academic writing . It involves taking two or more subjects and analyzing the differences and similarities between them.

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes

Table of contents

When should i compare and contrast, making effective comparisons, comparing and contrasting as a brainstorming tool, structuring your comparisons, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about comparing and contrasting.

Many assignments will invite you to make comparisons quite explicitly, as in these prompts.

• Compare the treatment of the theme of beauty in the poetry of William Wordsworth and John Keats.
• Compare and contrast in-class and distance learning. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each approach?

Some other prompts may not directly ask you to compare and contrast, but present you with a topic where comparing and contrasting could be a good approach.

One way to approach this essay might be to contrast the situation before the Great Depression with the situation during it, to highlight how large a difference it made.

Comparing and contrasting is also used in all kinds of academic contexts where it’s not explicitly prompted. For example, a literature review involves comparing and contrasting different studies on your topic, and an argumentative essay may involve weighing up the pros and cons of different arguments.

Here's why students love Scribbr's proofreading services

Discover proofreading & editing

As the name suggests, comparing and contrasting is about identifying both similarities and differences. You might focus on contrasting quite different subjects or comparing subjects with a lot in common—but there must be some grounds for comparison in the first place.

For example, you might contrast French society before and after the French Revolution; you’d likely find many differences, but there would be a valid basis for comparison. However, if you contrasted pre-revolutionary France with Han-dynasty China, your reader might wonder why you chose to compare these two societies.

This is why it’s important to clarify the point of your comparisons by writing a focused thesis statement . Every element of an essay should serve your central argument in some way. Consider what you’re trying to accomplish with any comparisons you make, and be sure to make this clear to the reader.

Comparing and contrasting can be a useful tool to help organize your thoughts before you begin writing any type of academic text. You might use it to compare different theories and approaches you’ve encountered in your preliminary research, for example.

Let’s say your research involves the competing psychological approaches of behaviorism and cognitive psychology. You might make a table to summarize the key differences between them.

Or say you’re writing about the major global conflicts of the twentieth century. You might visualize the key similarities and differences in a Venn diagram.

These visualizations wouldn’t make it into your actual writing, so they don’t have to be very formal in terms of phrasing or presentation. The point of comparing and contrasting at this stage is to help you organize and shape your ideas to aid you in structuring your arguments.

When comparing and contrasting in an essay, there are two main ways to structure your comparisons: the alternating method and the block method.

The alternating method

In the alternating method, you structure your text according to what aspect you’re comparing. You cover both your subjects side by side in terms of a specific point of comparison. Your text is structured like this:

Mouse over the example paragraph below to see how this approach works.

One challenge teachers face is identifying and assisting students who are struggling without disrupting the rest of the class. In a traditional classroom environment, the teacher can easily identify when a student is struggling based on their demeanor in class or simply by regularly checking on students during exercises. They can then offer assistance quietly during the exercise or discuss it further after class. Meanwhile, in a Zoom-based class, the lack of physical presence makes it more difficult to pay attention to individual students’ responses and notice frustrations, and there is less flexibility to speak with students privately to offer assistance. In this case, therefore, the traditional classroom environment holds the advantage, although it appears likely that aiding students in a virtual classroom environment will become easier as the technology, and teachers’ familiarity with it, improves.

The block method

In the block method, you cover each of the overall subjects you’re comparing in a block. You say everything you have to say about your first subject, then discuss your second subject, making comparisons and contrasts back to the things you’ve already said about the first. Your text is structured like this:

• Point of comparison A
• Point of comparison B

The most commonly cited advantage of distance learning is the flexibility and accessibility it offers. Rather than being required to travel to a specific location every week (and to live near enough to feasibly do so), students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection. This allows not only for a wider geographical spread of students but for the possibility of studying while travelling. However, distance learning presents its own accessibility challenges; not all students have a stable internet connection and a computer or other device with which to participate in online classes, and less technologically literate students and teachers may struggle with the technical aspects of class participation. Furthermore, discomfort and distractions can hinder an individual student’s ability to engage with the class from home, creating divergent learning experiences for different students. Distance learning, then, seems to improve accessibility in some ways while representing a step backwards in others.

Note that these two methods can be combined; these two example paragraphs could both be part of the same essay, but it’s wise to use an essay outline to plan out which approach you’re taking in each paragraph.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
• Post hoc fallacy
• Appeal to authority fallacy
• False cause fallacy
• Sunk cost fallacy

College essays

• Choosing Essay Topic
• Write a College Essay
• Write a Diversity Essay
• College Essay Format & Structure
• Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay

 (AI) Tools

• Grammar Checker
• Paraphrasing Tool
• Text Summarizer
• AI Detector
• Plagiarism Checker
• Citation Generator

Some essay prompts include the keywords “compare” and/or “contrast.” In these cases, an essay structured around comparing and contrasting is the appropriate response.

Comparing and contrasting is also a useful approach in all kinds of academic writing : You might compare different studies in a literature review , weigh up different arguments in an argumentative essay , or consider different theoretical approaches in a theoretical framework .

Your subjects might be very different or quite similar, but it’s important that there be meaningful grounds for comparison . You can probably describe many differences between a cat and a bicycle, but there isn’t really any connection between them to justify the comparison.

You’ll have to write a thesis statement explaining the central point you want to make in your essay , so be sure to know in advance what connects your subjects and makes them worth comparing.

Comparisons in essays are generally structured in one of two ways:

• The alternating method, where you compare your subjects side by side according to one specific aspect at a time.
• The block method, where you cover each subject separately in its entirety.

It’s also possible to combine both methods, for example by writing a full paragraph on each of your topics and then a final paragraph contrasting the two according to a specific metric.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Caulfield, J. (2023, July 23). Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay | Tips & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved April 2, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/compare-and-contrast/

Is this article helpful?

Jack Caulfield

Other students also liked, how to write an expository essay, how to write an argumentative essay | examples & tips, academic paragraph structure | step-by-step guide & examples, "i thought ai proofreading was useless but..".

I've been using Scribbr for years now and I know it's a service that won't disappoint. It does a good job spotting mistakes”

• How to Cite
• Language & Lit
• Rhyme & Rhythm
• The Rewrite
• Search Glass

How to Compare and Contrast Two Poems

When you compare and contrast two poems, focus on similarities and differences between the themes, tone, imagery and language . You might compare and contrast two poems by the same author to show how the poet uses diverse methods to get her points across. Or, you might compare and contrast poems by different authors.

Focus on the Themes

Show how two poems have similar or different themes such as romantic love, death or courage. For example, you might compare and contrast themes in the epic poem "Beowulf" with those in "The Odyssey" by Homer. The two poems are similar because both contain themes of courage, honor, loyalty, hospitality and duty. However, Beowulf also contains themes about revenge and tribal allegiances, and "The Odyssey" contains themes about free will.

Examine the Mood and Tone

Two poems by the same author can have similar or different moods and tones . For example, you might compare and contrast two poems by the same author, such as "A Prayer in Spring" and "A Late Walk," by Robert Frost. The poems are similar because both focus on the wonders of nature and the changing seasons. However, "A Prayer in Spring" has a cheerful, delightful tone and a peaceful, grateful mood. Conversely, "A Late Walk" has a melancholy, somber tone and a depressing, pessimistic mood. Frost effectively differentiates the beauty of spring in one with the barrenness of fall in the other .

Study Imagery in Both Poems

Poets often use imagery and symbolism to reveal important truths about man and nature. Compare and contrast the use of imagery and symbolism in one poem with another poem from the same era. For example, you might compare and contrast Emily Dickinson's poem "Because I Could Not Stop for Death" with Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Raven." The two poems are similar because they deal with themes of death and loss, and both poets use imagery to reveal truths about death . However, Dickinson uses a pleasant carriage ride with a gentlemanly driver, the sunset and a house as a final resting place to show the inevitable, yet understandable and acceptable, role death plays in human lives. Poe uses an ominous, haunting raven who only utters "nevermore" to represent the dark, unwelcoming finality of death.

Evaluate the Language, Style and Format

Examine the language, style and format of both poems to find similarities and differences. Look at the author's choice of words, the meter, rhythm and the length of each line or stanza. For example, some poets prefer one-syllable words and short lines, such as Dr. Seuss, and others, such as William Wordsworth, prefer multisyllable words and long lines or stanzas. Consult with your teacher to determine how technical she wants your comparisons and contrasts to be, such as whether she wants you to discuss iambic pentameter, stressed syllables and feet.

• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill -- The Writing Center: Comparing and Contrasting
• Santiago Canyon College: English 102 -- Essay #2 -- Writing About Poetry; Professor Maureen Roe
• The Odyssey; Homer
• Poem Hunter: A Prayer in Spring; Robert Frost
• Poem Hunter: A Late Walk; Robert Frost
• Poetry Foundation: Because I Could Not Stop for Death; Emily Dickinson
• Poetry Foundation: The Raven; Edgar Allan Poe

As curriculum developer and educator, Kristine Tucker has enjoyed the plethora of English assignments she's read (and graded!) over the years. Her experiences as vice-president of an energy consulting firm have given her the opportunity to explore business writing and HR. Tucker has a BA and holds Ohio teaching credentials.