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A comparative essay is a writing task that requires you to compare two or more items. You
may be asked to compare two or more literary works, theories, arguments or historical
events. In literature, a comparative essay typically asks you to write an essay comparing
two works by the same writer. For example, you may be asked to write a comparative essay
comparing two plays written by William Shakespeare.
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Assumption:
Although an essay may simply state to compare
two literary texts, the assumption is that you
should contrast the texts as well. In other words,
your comparative essay should not only
compare but also contrast the literary texts, it
should address the similarities and differences
found within the texts.
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3-Develop a List of
Identify the Basis for
Comparison Similarities and Differences
After you identify your basis for comparison,
you should examine the literary texts for
similarities and differences. The similarity and
differences should focus on the basis of
comparison. For example, you might
conclude that in “Sense and Sensibility”
women appear strong willed and confident,
while in “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” women
appear weak willed and two-dimensional.
You will use these observations, along with
your list of similarities and differences, to
construct your thesis statement and an
outline for your comparative essay.
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