poetry comparison essay sample

Poetry & Poets

Explore the beauty of poetry – discover the poet within

How To Write A Poetry Comparison Essay

An essay comparing two poems needs to be written with an understanding of how themes, structure, forms, language, and style distinguish the two poems. It is also important to consider how the themes, structure, forms, language, and style interact with each other to create meaning and richness. Even if the poems are similar in some ways, the differences must be discussed to identify the unique qualities of the individual poems. This essay will examine the similarities and differences between two poems, “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost and “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost.

The two poems are similar in theme in that they both explore the concept of making decisions and taking different paths or routes. The speaker of both poems is at a crossroads in life and has to make a decision which will form his personal history and future. In “The Road Not Taken”, the speaker is presented with two roads and he is uncertain which one to take. In “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”, the speaker is presented with the same dilemma, but instead of a physical road, he is face with an opportunity to stay and enjoy the beauty of nature versus leaving and returning to reality. Both speakers make a conscious effort to make a personal decision and break free from indecision.

When discussing the structure and form of the poems, it must be noted that both poems have a simple, regular meter. The meter of “The Road Not Taken” is iambic tetrameter and the meter of “Stopping by Woods” is iambic trimeter. The rhyme scheme of both poems is also similar and is made up of couplets. Both poems also use enjambment throughout, which creates a sense of incompleteness and gives the poems an unfinished feel. This technique is used to signify the struggle of the speaker with making decisions and his anguish in not knowing what to choose.

The language used in both poems is also similar in that both authors use words of caution and alertness to emphasize the importance of making the right decision. In “The Road Not Taken”, the word “doubt” is used to highlight the consequence of indecision and in “Stopping by Woods”, words such as “promise” and “duty” are used to emphasize the difficulty of the decision-making process. Both poems also contain extended metaphors to illustrate the concept of making a choice. In “The Road Not Taken”, the road is a metaphor for life’s journey and the journey of the individual, whereas in “Stopping by Woods”, the woods represent a momentary escape from reality.

Style of the Poems

The style of both poems differs significantly. “The Road Not Taken” is written in the traditional and formal style of a typical Romantic poem. It uses many of the conventions of the Romantic period, such as references to nature, melancholy, and the use of sonnets and iambic pentameter. On the other hand, “Stopping by Woods” is written in a more modern and conversational style. It is less complex than other Romantic works and its language is very direct and simple. The lack of complexity in the poem, as well as the combination of simple language and the casual tone of voice, create a relaxed, open atmosphere. This is in stark contrast to the complexity and formality of “The Road Not Taken”.

Analysis of the Poems

The main theme of both poems is decision-making; however, each poem takes a slightly different approach to the subject matter. “The Road Not Taken” is more reflective and emphasizes the importance of making the “right” decision. The poem suggests that it is better to make the more difficult decision, rather than the simpler, easier choice. “Stopping by Woods” on the other hand, is more balanced and suggests that it is possible to find a balance between making the easier choice and taking the path less traveled. The poem suggests that it is possible to make an informed decision while still allowing oneself to be open to new experiences and opportunities.

Context of the Poems

The contexts in which both poems were written must also be taken into consideration. “The Road Not Taken” was written post-World War I, during a period of social change, transition, and uncertainty. The poem explores the idea of taking the path less traveled and suggests that being able to fully comprehend the consequences of one’s choices is impossible. “Stopping by Woods” was written during the Great Depression and its overarching theme is that of a sense of calm and peace in the midst of a chaotic world. The poem emphasizes that it is possible to accept the realities of life while realizing it is possible to find moments of respite and reprieve.

In conclusion, when comparing two poems it is important to take into account the similarities and differences in their themes, structure, forms, language, and style. Both “The Road Not Taken” and “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” explore the concept of making decisions and taking different paths or routes. However, each poem takes a slightly different approach to the subject. “The Road Not Taken” is more reflective and emphasizes the importance of making the “right” decision whereas “Stopping by Woods” is more balanced and suggests that it is possible to find a balance between making a simpler choice and taking the path less traveled. It is also important to consider the context in which each poem was written as this can give insights into the message the author was trying to convey.

Theme & Symbols

The poem’s theme and symbols are two areas of the poem that need to be analyzed. When it comes to “The Road Not Taken” the theme of choosing can be seen all throughout. The speaker is presented with two roads and he is pressured to make a decision that will affect his future. The poem also uses symbols such as the two roads and the two paths to represent the decisions that the speaker faces and the options that he can choose from. The two roads, can both represent the same decision, but could also represent the consequences of the choices he has made. The poem also uses imagery, such as the yellow woods, to give a vivid idea of the path that has been taken.

In “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”, the theme explored is that of mortality and change. The speaker of the poem is searching for solace and peace, but also for something that can weather the storms of life. The symbols in the poem represent the transience of things in life, such as the snow and the frozen lake, which are both in a constant state of change. The poem also uses images such as the farmer’s house in the village, to represent hope and the promise of a better future, away from the secluded and still woods.

Examining the Messages

The messages in the two poems are closely related, but also have some differences. In “The Road Not Taken”, the message is that of taking responsibility for one’s choices and realizing that life is a series of decisions. The poem suggests that not taking a path and remaining in limbo, is not beneficial to the individual in the end. In “Stopping by Woods”, the message is that of taking a pause, or a momentary break, to appreciate and enjoy the wonders of nature. The poem suggests that it is indeed possible to find a balance between making choices, taking risks, and being open to new experiences.

Message of the Poems to the Reader

The message of both poems is one of self-reflection and the need to take responsibility for one’s own choices and actions. “The Road Not Taken” emphasizes the importance of taking difficult and challenging paths, rather than the easier choice. The poem also reinforces the idea that life is a series of choices, and that’s why it is necessary to have the courage to make a choice and own the consequences of one’s decision. On the other hand, “Stopping by Woods” is about seeking solace, and realizing that it is okay to take a break and to appreciate the beauty of nature and its solitude. The poem also suggests that it is possible to make an informed decision while still allowing one to be open to new experiences.

Writing a Poetry Comparison Essay

When writing a poetry comparison essay, it is important to consider the structure and form, language, and style of each poem. It is also essential to understand the context in which each poem was written and the messages being conveyed. Every poem has its own unique set of qualities, which needs to be discussed in order to create a thorough, meaningful analysis.

When writing a comparison essay, it is important to remember the key aspects that need to be discussed. The structure, form, and language of both poems must be examined and compared. Examining the themes, symbols, and messages of each poem is also essential. Finally, when comparing two poems, the context and style of each poem should also be taken into account.

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!

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How to Write an Essay Comparing Poems

This is Revision World’s guide on how to write an essay or answer an exam question that asks you to compare poems within the poetry anthology you are studying.

Understanding the Task:

Identify the Key Components: Ensure you understand the task requirements, including the poems you're comparing, the themes, and the aspects you need to analyse (e.g., structure, language, tone).

Pre-Writing Stage:

Read and Annotate: Read the poems multiple times, annotating key themes, literary devices, and interesting observations.

Identify Similarities and Differences: Note down similarities and differences in themes, imagery, language, structure, and tone between the two poems.

Structuring Your Essay:

 Introduction:

Introduce the poems and poets, providing context if necessary.

Present your thesis statement, outlining the main points of comparison.

Body Paragraphs:

Topic Sentences: Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that states the aspect of comparison.

Comparison: Analyse each poem separately, focusing on the chosen aspect (e.g., theme, structure). Then, compare and contrast the same aspect in both poems.

Use of Evidence: Provide evidence from the poems to support your analysis (quotations).

Analysis: Interpret the significance of the similarities and differences, considering their effects on the reader and the overall meaning of the poems.

Conclusion:

Summarise your main points of comparison.

Reflect on the significance of the comparisons and their implications for the reader.

Offer insights into the broader themes or messages conveyed by the poems.

Writing Tips:

Be Specific: Avoid vague statements and ensure your comparisons are specific and well-supported by evidence.

Consider Poetic Devices: Analyse the poets' use of poetic devices (e.g., imagery, symbolism, metaphor) and how they contribute to the overall effect of the poems.

Focus on Key Themes: Choose a few key themes or aspects to compare rather than attempting to cover everything in the poems.

Maintain Coherence: Ensure your essay flows logically, with clear transitions between paragraphs and ideas.

Proofread: Carefully proofread your essay for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

Example Statement:

"In 'Poem A' and 'Poem B,' both poets utilise imagery and symbolism to explore the theme of loss, but while 'Poem A' uses natural imagery to convey a sense of grief and acceptance, 'Poem B' employs religious symbolism to depict a more existential struggle with loss and faith."

Example Topic Sentences:

"In 'Poem A,' the poet employs vivid natural imagery to convey the speaker's emotional response to loss."

"Conversely, 'Poem B' utilises religious symbolism to explore the theme of loss in a more abstract and existential manner."

By following these steps and incorporating these tips, you can effectively write a well-structured and insightful essay comparing two poems in your GCSE English Literature exam.

Miss Huttlestone's GCSE English

Because a whole class of wonderful minds are better than just one!

AQA Power and Conflict Poetry – an example comparative paragraph

Morning all,

In today’s lesson I will give you lots of resources to aid your comparison of two poems in the cluster. For today I have penned an example comparative paragraph on how POWER is depicted in ‘Ozymandias’ and ‘My Last Duchess’. The first two sentences acts as my introduction and ‘concept’ (the BIG IDEA) that all of my paragraphs should refer back to:

Both ‘Ozymandias’’ and ‘My Last Duchess’ depict power as being abused by oppressive figures and therefore as being closely aligned with corruption.

Primarily, In ‘Ozymandias’, Shelley presents power in two different ways: firstly, through how a corrupted leader abuses his power and secondly through how power ultimately won’t last and is transient compared to nature. Shelley illustrates the message that powerful leaders can be arrogant when Ozymandias calls himself the “king of kings”. Here Shelley’s use of plosive alliteration for the sharp “k” sound deliberately reflects the overbearing and oppressive power that Ramesses II had over his people when he became a pharaoh at young age. This phrase is poignant in stressing how arrogant and confident the speaker is about his power because he is stating that he is superior to any other ruler. Further to this, the noun “king” carries regal connotations to demonstrate that people in power like Ozymandias may often believe that they are higher to others. The fact that Ozymandias calls himself a king stresses how much the power has dominated his mentality and his thoughts. Similarly, in ‘My Last Duchess’, it focuses on how a Duke, a powerful figure within the social hierarchy, uses his power to control his duchess and thus how he lets power make him arrogant and possessive. Significantly, there is a sense of arrogance attached to power through Browning’s use of possessive pronouns such as “that’s my last duchess hanging on the wall”. Here however, we see how the Duke has let his power over women absorb him and he has become deluded into thinking that he still has power over his dead duchess. The use of the demonstrative “that” is repeated throughout the poem to add to his aggressive and mocking tone whilst showing that he sees his previous wife as an object or possession to him. Browning could be reflecting the conservative attitudes towards women at that time where women were submissive and subservient to their male counterparts and husbands. This arrogance is further shown when the Duke exclaims that he made the curtain and that he had “drawn it for you”. The way Shelley uses the pronoun “you”, when addressing the envoy, reveals how the Duke is deluded enough to think that he has absolute control over who interacts with his late wife. It’s almost as if the Duke finds it thrilling to restrict who can see her because now she has died he is able to have as much control over her than when she was dead.

Red = my perceptive and clear POINT

Green = my carefully integrated evidence

Blue = zooming in on evidence and analysis

Pink = context integrated where appropriate.

More example comparative paragraphs to follow! Please feel free to add your own in the comments for me to check.

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Secondary English teacher in Herts. View all posts by gcseenglishwithmisshuttlestone

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AS and A Level: Comparative Essays

• English Literature
• Comparative Essays

"English poets are being forced to explore not just the matter of England, but what is the matter with England" (Seamus Heaney) - Discuss.

"English poets are being forced to explore not just the matter of England, but what is the matter with England" (Seamus Heaney). Discuss. It is an inevitable fact that the consumers of literature - laymen and literary critics alike - tend to group together texts and authors into separate categories, and attach to each category a number of supposedly 'common' characteristics and idiosyncracies which all its members apparently share. Philip Larkin and Ted Hughes, and their poetry, are no exceptions. Larkin and Hughes are often linked together when discussing English poets, and do have a number of things in common: they were born within eight years of each other, they wrote and published their poetry at similar times, and both are identified with the north of England. Both men were writing at a time when the notion of a stable and established England was being undermined, largely due to the rapid social change initiated by the termination of the Second World War. Thus both poets were heirs to a unique poetic impulse which sought to reject the old order of modernism by employing creative and innovative forms of expression: the new consciousness of a new generation. Yet although Larkin and Hughes are frequently grouped together as 'English post-war poets', a term which suggest homogeneity, there is in reality more diversity in their approaches than is commonly assumed.

• Word count: 3208
• Level: AS and A Level
• Subject: English

Compare the two poets Ted Hughes and Simon Armitage.

Compare the two poets Ted Hughes and Simon Armitage In the untitled poem by Simon Armitage, the poem describes to us a short story that happened many years ago. The story is of a 13-year-old boy during puberty, and not knowing how to deal with his feelings for a girl in his class. The boy heated up scissors in a flame in a chemistry lab and then handed them to the girl marking rings around her fingers. We presume that the boy in the story is the poet, Simon Armitage as the poem is written in 1st person. The poet now feels a little sorry for what he did but tries to excuse it using the sentence, '...that was just my butterfingered way, at 13 of asking you to marry me.' In this quote he tries to use his age as an excuse as he was only young. The poet telling the story does not actually say that he is sorry but we get that impression from the quote, 'Don't believe me, please, if I say...' when the poet was 13 though we get a different opinion of what he was feeling, we get the impression that he felt amused, proud and triumphant of what he had done, but know looking back does not feel the same as he did. I believe that the overall message of the poem is to ask the girl that he burnt at 13 to marry him; he tries to excuse what he did and then goes on to say; 'Don't believe me please, if I say, that was just my butterfingered way, at 13 of asking you to marry me.' I believe

• Word count: 1817

Comparing and analysing Heaney's 'Blackberry Picking' and Plath's 'Blackberrying.'

Comparing and analysing Heaney's 'Blackberry Picking' and Plath's 'Blackberrying.' In this essay I shall compare these two poets by studying one poem by each of them and analysing the different literary devices used. Both 'Blackberry picking' and 'Blackberrying' contain strong and powerful uses of imagery. Blackberrying is the first poem, which I shall be studying. It begins, again, rather dully and yet brings across more of a scenic image. "Nobody in the lane, and nothing, nothing but blackberries." Obviously this opening line is trying to show a picture of large numbers of blackberries, but notice how she emphasises the negatives as though it is the fact that here are no forms of life around which she is enjoying and not the blackberries. The first image, which she writes of 'A Blackberry alley, going down in hooks', this, is quite a sinister image for each to start. The second image, which she writes of, is that of the size of the berries "big as the ball on your thumb" but she then adds to this by saying the berries are "dumb as eyes." This is an interesting image to be putting to the reader for she is mixing the senses suggesting that the berries have eyes. However this does not bother her because unlike people the berries cannot speak to her or harm her in any way. She moves on from this to include anthropomorphism by describing the berries as "fat", this is normal

• Word count: 1710

Compare and contrast Ulysses and The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock in their treatment of ageing and ambition

Compare and contrast Ulysses and The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock in their treatment of ageing and ambition The title of Eliot's poem initially suggests that it is not a traditional love poem at all. Eliot's choice to use the initial "J" instead of a first name implies a sense of importance, however Prufrock is a connotation of a "prude" in a "frock" which pokes fun at the pompous nature of the name and implies a subliminal other meaning to the name. Prufrock begins in the unpleasant modern world, which is comparable to "da Montefeltro" in Dante's "Inferno" being trapped in hell; however Prufrock is fixed in a lonely, isolating city. This reflects Prufrock's ambition, because he is insecure and feels as if he is trapped and cannot go anywhere. Eliot's imagery is extremely important in illustrating pieces of Prufrock's personality. He uses images of the city being bleak and frightening. The image of "the evening is spread out against the sky like a patient etherized upon a table" shows that Prufrock's view of the world is that it is bleak and empty. This also illustrates Prufrock's lack of ambition because it shows that he feels there is nothing good in the world worth trying for. Prufrock is afraid to speak to the women he sees because he thinks that he wont be able to say anything capable of making them become interested in him, and his overwhelming insecurity and fears

• Word count: 1287

Thomas hardy poem - neutral tones

Taking Neutral Tones as a starting point, discuss the emotions and reactions to love shown by Hardy in his poems about unrequited love as compared with the 1912-3 collection. You should view this as a chance to really hit AO5. I want lovers named and through circumstances of each discussed as fully as possible. Hardy's focus in many poems is around the subject of unrequited love and exhibits the emotions that are felt at that period of time. He also wrote a selection of poems called the 1912-13 collection, which focused on his first wife Emma and her death, however, these poems rarely talked about his love for her. It was mostly about blame or opportunities that he could have had with her but he had let pass. The theme of missed opportunities also runs through poems other than the 1912-13 collection. In Hardy's poem 'Neutral Tones', Hardy talks about a memory he has when he is 27 years old. This poem is a snapshot of a moment, where he recalls standing with his former young love by the side of a pond, in the middle of winter, 'we stood by a pond that winter day'. The unknown girl and Hardy are surrounded by dead landscape that acts as a metaphor for their emaciated relationship, 'the sun was white'. The white colour of the sun represents emptiness and lack of passion, the sun has been drained of its natural golden colour. Hardy uses pathetic fallacy in this metaphor to

• Word count: 990

How Do These Poems Reveal Shelley(TM)s Views About The Role Of The Poet?(TM) Discuss.

'How Do These Poems Reveal Shelley's Views About The Role Of The Poet?' Discuss. Throughout Shelley's poetry, the figure of the poet is displayed not just as an intelligent witty entertainer or an intellectual social observer but is in fact, a prophet. Shelley does not try to hide the fact he believes himself to be a prophet, a splendid soul with the divine gift to restore freedom to the people and bring justice to those who need it. Shelley felt that poets have a supreme connection with nature and with this connection are able to translate the 'cosmic truths' of the world into work for people to admire and act upon. Shelley was said to compare himself to Prometheus and even Jesus Christ in the sense that he, as a poet, was a prophet, whose duty it was to liberate the peoples of the world by perceiving the world around him and translating the 'messages' from nature to the general public who would, in turn, throw off the shackles of their oppressors and rise up. Shelley also felt that poets carry a burden, similar to Christ carrying the crucifix, as they are persecuted for their works and are often misunderstood. Evidence of this can be seen when studying Shelley's poetry as well as his life. Shelley uses nature as his primary source of poetic inspiration, which was typical of Romantic poets at the time. In such poems as "The Mask of Anarchy" (1819) and "Ode to the West

• Word count: 1162

Larkin often seems to criticise society. In the light of this statement, what connections have you found between the ways in which Larkin and Abse write about the society in which they live? In your response include at least two of Larkins

'Larkin often seems to criticise society'. In the light of this statement, what connections have you found between the ways in which Larkin and Abse write about the society in which they live? In your response include at least two of Larkin's poems. Larkin criticises society in many of his poems and also does it from a superior place in an attempt to distance him from the society which he criticises and this can be seen in Nothing To Be Said. On the other hand, Abse writes about society and community whilst he participates in it and is a part of it. Larkin tries to stunt and remove the parts of society he criticises whilst it is clear Abse attempts to preserve many of the positives in society, for example in The Story of Lazarus, a story that surrounds the optimistic tale of someone surviving something so horrific. Abse is also very proud of the society from which he grew for example he is proud of being Welsh. Larkin labels and stereotypes the working class with a superior view in Nothing To Be Said, for example in the first stanza he describes the working class as 'small-statured cross-faced tribes', giving the impression that he views the working class as poorly developed, and a sense of savagery and it is possible to assume that Larkin viewed them as not very intelligent also. In addition to this, the use of the word 'tribes' is particularly powerful and evokes this

• Word count: 847

Warning by Jenny Joseph and On Ageing by Maya Angelou

Warning by Jenny Joseph and On Ageing by Maya Angelou Warning by jenny joseph is a humorous way of looking towards old age. It is written as a monologue within which the poet describes how she will behave when she is an old woman. In The first stanza she talks about herself and lists all the things she will do when she is old. She says she will wear the colours purple and red which are significant in the fact that they are bright garish colours. The two colours clash with each other and would not be put together by someone who cares about keeping up their appearance. One of the main themes to this poem is the idea of rebelling against the way society expects you to behave and the idea of not conforming therefore she decides to deliberately make a statement with her appearance by wearing clashing colours to show rebellion against the idea of everyone looking the same- everyone conforming. This idea of rebellion is further emphasised when she says "I shall spend my pension on brandy... and say we've no money for butter". She has decided that she is going to be deliberately difficult and irresponsible. She is desperate to rebel against the norms of responsible adulthood and change the way she has always been " escape from the sobriety of my youth" . The acts she chooses are harmless and humorous and she will be likely to get away with them as people will think she is

• Word count: 1299

Compare the two "Wuthering Heights" poems by Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes.

> Compare the two "Wuthering Heights" poems by Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes. Poets Sylvia Plath and Ted Huges both wrote poems by the name 'wuthering heights'. Based on the book by Emily Bronte, Both poems are highly descriptive and try to capture the essence of the landscape about which they were written, both with very different effect. Ted Hughes Describes a vibrant landscape. He paints a picture of a wild but beautiful place leading to a very positive tone in his poem. Huges poem has an almost aspirational quality. He talks of Emily Bronte as if he, or his character, wishes to be just like her. This gives the poem a far more positive tone than that of Sylvia Plath. Plath creates a deeply depressing, almost disturbing tone through her use of description. This results in a far more negative feel about the poem. This negativity seems to reflect both the wildness of the landscape and also her feelings. Huges uses his poem to tell a story that puts the reader in the position of the character in the poem. This leads to the reader feeling like a part of the poem, therefore creating a personal interest in the surroundings, which are described to them. The poem seems to be about more than just the landscape. It is about beginning to understand the book by Emily Bronte and in doing so understand the moor itself. Plath on the other hand uses her poem as a metaphor for her

• Word count: 1016

George and Lennie- COmparison and Contrast

David Urlanda George and Lennie (Comparison and Contrast) In the novel Of Mice and Men, the main characters George and Lennie were brought up closed to us. Through the first several pages of the book, these two characters were visualized. "George was small and quick, dark of face, with restless eyes and sharp, strong features. Every part of him was defined: small, strong hands, slender arms, a thin body and nose." While Lennie the opposite of George, "is a huge man, shapeless of face, with large pale eyes and with sloping shoulders." John Steinbeck describes these two characters as the opposite of each other. He describes Lennie as big man who thinks just like a child, and George as a small and a strong man. Steinbeck differentiates George and Lennie from each other on their mental and physical appearance and strength, George a small man and his opposite Lennie a huge man. In their physical appearance George was visualized with defined body parts and with strong features while Lennie with a shapelss face. In terms of mental ability, Steinbeck said that Lennie has a mild mental disorder that made him the weakest character in the novel. While George, compared to Lennie, he is the boss, he decides on everything they will do and Lennie depends on what he say. George and Lennie traveled together, since Lennie's Aunt Clara died. They are both migratory workers seeking

• Word count: 638

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• How to write a literary analysis essay | A step-by-step guide

How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay | A Step-by-Step Guide

Published on January 30, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on August 14, 2023.

Literary analysis means closely studying a text, interpreting its meanings, and exploring why the author made certain choices. It can be applied to novels, short stories, plays, poems, or any other form of literary writing.

A literary analysis essay is not a rhetorical analysis , nor is it just a summary of the plot or a book review. Instead, it is a type of argumentative essay where you need to analyze elements such as the language, perspective, and structure of the text, and explain how the author uses literary devices to create effects and convey ideas.

Before beginning a literary analysis essay, it’s essential to carefully read the text and c ome up with a thesis statement to keep your essay focused. As you write, follow the standard structure of an academic essay :

• An introduction that tells the reader what your essay will focus on.
• A main body, divided into paragraphs , that builds an argument using evidence from the text.
• A conclusion that clearly states the main point that you have shown with your analysis.

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Table of contents

Step 1: reading the text and identifying literary devices, step 2: coming up with a thesis, step 3: writing a title and introduction, step 4: writing the body of the essay, step 5: writing a conclusion, other interesting articles.

The first step is to carefully read the text(s) and take initial notes. As you read, pay attention to the things that are most intriguing, surprising, or even confusing in the writing—these are things you can dig into in your analysis.

Your goal in literary analysis is not simply to explain the events described in the text, but to analyze the writing itself and discuss how the text works on a deeper level. Primarily, you’re looking out for literary devices —textual elements that writers use to convey meaning and create effects. If you’re comparing and contrasting multiple texts, you can also look for connections between different texts.

To get started with your analysis, there are several key areas that you can focus on. As you analyze each aspect of the text, try to think about how they all relate to each other. You can use highlights or notes to keep track of important passages and quotes.

Language choices

Consider what style of language the author uses. Are the sentences short and simple or more complex and poetic?

What word choices stand out as interesting or unusual? Are words used figuratively to mean something other than their literal definition? Figurative language includes things like metaphor (e.g. “her eyes were oceans”) and simile (e.g. “her eyes were like oceans”).

Also keep an eye out for imagery in the text—recurring images that create a certain atmosphere or symbolize something important. Remember that language is used in literary texts to say more than it means on the surface.

Narrative voice

Ask yourself:

• Who is telling the story?
• How are they telling it?

Is it a first-person narrator (“I”) who is personally involved in the story, or a third-person narrator who tells us about the characters from a distance?

Consider the narrator’s perspective . Is the narrator omniscient (where they know everything about all the characters and events), or do they only have partial knowledge? Are they an unreliable narrator who we are not supposed to take at face value? Authors often hint that their narrator might be giving us a distorted or dishonest version of events.

The tone of the text is also worth considering. Is the story intended to be comic, tragic, or something else? Are usually serious topics treated as funny, or vice versa ? Is the story realistic or fantastical (or somewhere in between)?

Consider how the text is structured, and how the structure relates to the story being told.

• Novels are often divided into chapters and parts.
• Poems are divided into lines, stanzas, and sometime cantos.
• Plays are divided into scenes and acts.

Think about why the author chose to divide the different parts of the text in the way they did.

There are also less formal structural elements to take into account. Does the story unfold in chronological order, or does it jump back and forth in time? Does it begin in medias res —in the middle of the action? Does the plot advance towards a clearly defined climax?

With poetry, consider how the rhyme and meter shape your understanding of the text and your impression of the tone. Try reading the poem aloud to get a sense of this.

In a play, you might consider how relationships between characters are built up through different scenes, and how the setting relates to the action. Watch out for  dramatic irony , where the audience knows some detail that the characters don’t, creating a double meaning in their words, thoughts, or actions.

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Your thesis in a literary analysis essay is the point you want to make about the text. It’s the core argument that gives your essay direction and prevents it from just being a collection of random observations about a text.

If you’re given a prompt for your essay, your thesis must answer or relate to the prompt. For example:

Essay question example

Is Franz Kafka’s “Before the Law” a religious parable?

Your thesis statement should be an answer to this question—not a simple yes or no, but a statement of why this is or isn’t the case:

Thesis statement example

Franz Kafka’s “Before the Law” is not a religious parable, but a story about bureaucratic alienation.

Sometimes you’ll be given freedom to choose your own topic; in this case, you’ll have to come up with an original thesis. Consider what stood out to you in the text; ask yourself questions about the elements that interested you, and consider how you might answer them.

Your thesis should be something arguable—that is, something that you think is true about the text, but which is not a simple matter of fact. It must be complex enough to develop through evidence and arguments across the course of your essay.

Say you’re analyzing the novel Frankenstein . You could start by asking yourself:

Your initial answer might be a surface-level description:

The character Frankenstein is portrayed negatively in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein .

However, this statement is too simple to be an interesting thesis. After reading the text and analyzing its narrative voice and structure, you can develop the answer into a more nuanced and arguable thesis statement:

Mary Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to portray Frankenstein in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as.

Remember that you can revise your thesis statement throughout the writing process , so it doesn’t need to be perfectly formulated at this stage. The aim is to keep you focused as you analyze the text.

Finding textual evidence

To support your thesis statement, your essay will build an argument using textual evidence —specific parts of the text that demonstrate your point. This evidence is quoted and analyzed throughout your essay to explain your argument to the reader.

It can be useful to comb through the text in search of relevant quotations before you start writing. You might not end up using everything you find, and you may have to return to the text for more evidence as you write, but collecting textual evidence from the beginning will help you to structure your arguments and assess whether they’re convincing.

To start your literary analysis paper, you’ll need two things: a good title, and an introduction.

Your title should clearly indicate what your analysis will focus on. It usually contains the name of the author and text(s) you’re analyzing. Keep it as concise and engaging as possible.

A common approach to the title is to use a relevant quote from the text, followed by a colon and then the rest of your title.

If you struggle to come up with a good title at first, don’t worry—this will be easier once you’ve begun writing the essay and have a better sense of your arguments.

“Fearful symmetry” : The violence of creation in William Blake’s “The Tyger”

The introduction

The essay introduction provides a quick overview of where your argument is going. It should include your thesis statement and a summary of the essay’s structure.

A typical structure for an introduction is to begin with a general statement about the text and author, using this to lead into your thesis statement. You might refer to a commonly held idea about the text and show how your thesis will contradict it, or zoom in on a particular device you intend to focus on.

Then you can end with a brief indication of what’s coming up in the main body of the essay. This is called signposting. It will be more elaborate in longer essays, but in a short five-paragraph essay structure, it shouldn’t be more than one sentence.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, protagonist Victor Frankenstein is a stable representation of the callous ambition of modern science throughout the novel. This essay, however, argues that far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to portray Frankenstein in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as. This essay begins by exploring the positive portrayal of Frankenstein in the first volume, then moves on to the creature’s perception of him, and finally discusses the third volume’s narrative shift toward viewing Frankenstein as the creature views him.

Some students prefer to write the introduction later in the process, and it’s not a bad idea. After all, you’ll have a clearer idea of the overall shape of your arguments once you’ve begun writing them!

If you do write the introduction first, you should still return to it later to make sure it lines up with what you ended up writing, and edit as necessary.

The body of your essay is everything between the introduction and conclusion. It contains your arguments and the textual evidence that supports them.

Paragraph structure

A typical structure for a high school literary analysis essay consists of five paragraphs : the three paragraphs of the body, plus the introduction and conclusion.

Each paragraph in the main body should focus on one topic. In the five-paragraph model, try to divide your argument into three main areas of analysis, all linked to your thesis. Don’t try to include everything you can think of to say about the text—only analysis that drives your argument.

In longer essays, the same principle applies on a broader scale. For example, you might have two or three sections in your main body, each with multiple paragraphs. Within these sections, you still want to begin new paragraphs at logical moments—a turn in the argument or the introduction of a new idea.

Robert’s first encounter with Gil-Martin suggests something of his sinister power. Robert feels “a sort of invisible power that drew me towards him.” He identifies the moment of their meeting as “the beginning of a series of adventures which has puzzled myself, and will puzzle the world when I am no more in it” (p. 89). Gil-Martin’s “invisible power” seems to be at work even at this distance from the moment described; before continuing the story, Robert feels compelled to anticipate at length what readers will make of his narrative after his approaching death. With this interjection, Hogg emphasizes the fatal influence Gil-Martin exercises from his first appearance.

Topic sentences

To keep your points focused, it’s important to use a topic sentence at the beginning of each paragraph.

A good topic sentence allows a reader to see at a glance what the paragraph is about. It can introduce a new line of argument and connect or contrast it with the previous paragraph. Transition words like “however” or “moreover” are useful for creating smooth transitions:

… The story’s focus, therefore, is not upon the divine revelation that may be waiting beyond the door, but upon the mundane process of aging undergone by the man as he waits.

Nevertheless, the “radiance” that appears to stream from the door is typically treated as religious symbolism.

This topic sentence signals that the paragraph will address the question of religious symbolism, while the linking word “nevertheless” points out a contrast with the previous paragraph’s conclusion.

Using textual evidence

A key part of literary analysis is backing up your arguments with relevant evidence from the text. This involves introducing quotes from the text and explaining their significance to your point.

It’s important to contextualize quotes and explain why you’re using them; they should be properly introduced and analyzed, not treated as self-explanatory:

It isn’t always necessary to use a quote. Quoting is useful when you’re discussing the author’s language, but sometimes you’ll have to refer to plot points or structural elements that can’t be captured in a short quote.

In these cases, it’s more appropriate to paraphrase or summarize parts of the text—that is, to describe the relevant part in your own words:

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The conclusion of your analysis shouldn’t introduce any new quotations or arguments. Instead, it’s about wrapping up the essay. Here, you summarize your key points and try to emphasize their significance to the reader.

A good way to approach this is to briefly summarize your key arguments, and then stress the conclusion they’ve led you to, highlighting the new perspective your thesis provides on the text as a whole:

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!

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By tracing the depiction of Frankenstein through the novel’s three volumes, I have demonstrated how the narrative structure shifts our perception of the character. While the Frankenstein of the first volume is depicted as having innocent intentions, the second and third volumes—first in the creature’s accusatory voice, and then in his own voice—increasingly undermine him, causing him to appear alternately ridiculous and vindictive. Far from the one-dimensional villain he is often taken to be, the character of Frankenstein is compelling because of the dynamic narrative frame in which he is placed. In this frame, Frankenstein’s narrative self-presentation responds to the images of him we see from others’ perspectives. This conclusion sheds new light on the novel, foregrounding Shelley’s unique layering of narrative perspectives and its importance for the depiction of character.

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Free Comparative Literature Essay Examples & Topics

Comparative literature explores the relationship between works of fiction of different cultures and times. Its purpose is to establish the connection between specific genres, styles, and literary devices and the historical period. At the same time, it provides an insight into the meaning hidden between the lines of a given text.

What is a literary comparison essay? This academic paper requires a specific methodology but follows the typical rules. A student is expected to perform comparative textual analysis of a short story, novel, or any other piece of narrative writing. However, it is vital to remember that only the pieces with something in common are comparable.

This is where all the challenges start. Without an in-depth literature review, it is not always clear which works can and should be compared. Which aspects should be considered, and which could be left out? The structure of a comparative essay is another stumbling rock.

For this reason, our team has prepared a brief guide. Here, you will learn how to write a successful comparative literature essay and, more importantly, what to write in it. And that is not all! Underneath the article, we have prepared some comparative literary analysis essay examples written by students like you.

Comparative literary analysis requires you to know how to correlate two different things in general. So let us start from the basics. This section explains how to write a comparative paper.

A good comparison essay structure relies on two techniques:

• Alternating or point-by-point method.

Using this technique, you dedicate two paragraphs for each new comparison aspect, one for each subject. It is the best way to establish similar and different features in the two novels. Such comparative analysis works best for research, providing a detailed and well-structured text.

1st Body Paragraph: Social problems in Steinback’s works.

2nd Body Paragraph: Social problems in Hemingway’s works.

3rd Body Paragraph: Psychological problems in Steinback’s works.

4th Body Paragraph: Psychological problems in Hemingway’s works.

5th Body Paragraph: Interpersonal problems in Steinback’s works.

• Block or subject-by-subject method .

This approach means that you divide your essay in two. The first part discusses one text or author, and the second part analyzes the other. The challenge here is to avoid writing two disconnected papers under one title.

For this purpose, constantly refer the second part to the first one to show the differences and similarities. You should use the technique if you have more than two comparison subjects (add another paragraph for each next one). It also works well when there is little in common between the subjects.

1-3 Body Paragraphs: Description of rural labor in Steinback’s works.

4-6 Body Paragraphs: Description of rural labor in Hemingway’s works.

You will formulate a thesis and distribute the arguments and supporting evidence depending on the chosen structure. You can consult the possible options in our comparative literature essay examples.

Let us move to the main point of this article: the comparison of literature. In this section, we will discuss how to write an ideal essay in this format.

We suggest you stick to the following action plan:

• Choose literary works to compare. They should have some features in common. For example, the protagonist faces the same type of conflict, or the setting is the same. You should know the works well enough to find the necessary passages. Check the comparative literature examples below if you struggle with the step.
• Select the topic, thinking of similarities. The broader the matter, the more challenging the writing. A comparative study of the protagonists in two books is harder than analyzing the same theme that appears in them. Characters may have little in common, making the analysis more complicated.
• Find both differences and similarities. Once you’ve formulated the topic , make a list of features to compare. If the subjects are too different, choose the block method of contrasting them. Otherwise, the alternating technique will do.
• Formulate a thesis statement that has a comparative nature. It should convey the gist of the essay’s argument. Highlight the relationship between the books. Do they contradict, supplement, develop, or correct each other? You can start the thesis statement with “whereas.” For example, “Whereas Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights and Darcy in Pride and Prejudice are full of pride, this trait leads them to different troubles.”
• Outline and list key elements. Select three to six comparable aspects depending on your essay’s expected length. Then, plan in what order you’ll present them and according to which technique.
• Link elements and write. Distribute the features among the comparative paragraphs. If you wish to prove that the books are more different than alike, start with the most diverging factors and move to the most similar ones.

That’s it! Thank you for reading this article. For more examples of comparative literature essays, check the links below.

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"Common Magic" VS "An Ordinary Person"

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Essay Papers Writing Online

A comprehensive guide to crafting a successful comparison essay.

Comparison essays are a common assignment in academic settings, requiring students to analyze and contrast two or more subjects, concepts, or ideas. Writing a comparison essay can be challenging, but with the right approach and guidance, you can craft a compelling and informative piece of writing.

In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with valuable tips and examples to help you master the art of comparison essay writing. Whether you’re comparing two literary works, historical events, scientific theories, or any other topics, this guide will equip you with the tools and strategies needed to create a well-structured and persuasive essay.

From choosing a suitable topic and developing a strong thesis statement to organizing your arguments and incorporating effective evidence, this guide will walk you through each step of the writing process. By following the advice and examples provided here, you’ll be able to produce a top-notch comparison essay that showcases your analytical skills and critical thinking abilities.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into writing a comparison essay, it’s essential to understand the basics of comparison writing. A comparison essay, also known as a comparative essay, requires you to analyze two or more subjects by highlighting their similarities and differences. This type of essay aims to show how these subjects are similar or different in various aspects.

When writing a comparison essay, you should have a clear thesis statement that identifies the subjects you are comparing and the main points of comparison. It’s essential to structure your essay effectively by organizing your ideas logically. You can use different methods of organization, such as the block method or point-by-point method, to present your comparisons.

Additionally, make sure to include evidence and examples to support your comparisons. Use specific details and examples to strengthen your arguments and clarify the similarities and differences between the subjects. Lastly, remember to provide a strong conclusion that summarizes your main points and reinforces the significance of your comparison.

Choosing a Topic for Comparison Essay

When selecting a topic for your comparison essay, it’s essential to choose two subjects that have some similarities and differences to explore. You can compare two books, two movies, two historical figures, two theories, or any other pair of related subjects.

Consider selecting topics that interest you or that you are familiar with to make the writing process more engaging and manageable. Additionally, ensure that the subjects you choose are suitable for comparison and have enough material for analysis.

It’s also helpful to brainstorm ideas and create a list of potential topics before making a final decision. Once you have a few options in mind, evaluate them based on the relevance of the comparison, the availability of credible sources, and your own interest in the subjects.

Remember that a well-chosen topic is one of the keys to writing a successful comparison essay, so take your time to select subjects that will allow you to explore meaningful connections and differences in a compelling way.

Finding the Right Pairing

When writing a comparison essay, it’s crucial to find the right pairing of subjects to compare. Choose subjects that have enough similarities and differences to make a meaningful comparison. Consider the audience and purpose of your essay to determine what pairing will be most effective.

Look for subjects that you are passionate about or have a deep understanding of. This will make the writing process easier and more engaging. Additionally, consider choosing subjects that are relevant and timely, as this will make your essay more interesting to readers.

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when finding the right pairing. Sometimes unexpected combinations can lead to the most compelling comparisons. Conduct thorough research on both subjects to ensure you have enough material to work with and present a balanced comparison.

Structuring Your Comparison Essay

When writing a comparison essay, it is essential to organize your ideas in a clear and logical manner. One effective way to structure your essay is to use a point-by-point comparison or a block comparison format.

Whichever format you choose, make sure to introduce your subjects, present your points of comparison, provide evidence or examples to support your comparisons, and conclude by summarizing the main points and highlighting the significance of your comparison.

Creating a Clear Outline

Before you start writing your comparison essay, it’s essential to create a clear outline. An outline serves as a roadmap that helps you stay organized and focused throughout the writing process. Here are some steps to create an effective outline:

1. Identify the subjects of comparison: Start by determining the two subjects you will be comparing in your essay. Make sure they have enough similarities and differences to make a meaningful comparison.

2. Brainstorm key points: Once you have chosen the subjects, brainstorm the key points you want to compare and contrast. These could include characteristics, features, themes, or arguments related to each subject.

3. Organize your points: Arrange your key points in a logical order. You can choose to compare similar points side by side or alternate between the two subjects to highlight differences.

4. Develop a thesis statement: Based on your key points, develop a clear thesis statement that states the main purpose of your comparison essay. This statement should guide the rest of your writing and provide a clear direction for your argument.

5. Create a structure: Divide your essay into introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each section should serve a specific purpose and contribute to the overall coherence of your essay.

By creating a clear outline, you can ensure that your comparison essay flows smoothly and effectively communicates your ideas to the reader.

Engaging the Reader

When writing a comparison essay, it is crucial to engage the reader right from the beginning. You want to hook their attention and make them want to keep reading. Here are some tips to engage your reader:

• Start with a strong opening statement or question that entices the reader to continue reading.
• Use vivid language and descriptive imagery to paint a clear picture in the reader’s mind.
• Provide interesting facts or statistics that pique the reader’s curiosity.
• Create a compelling thesis statement that outlines the purpose of your comparison essay.

By engaging the reader from the start, you set the stage for a successful and impactful comparison essay that keeps the reader engaged until the very end.

Point-by-Point vs Block Method

When writing a comparison essay, you have two main options for structuring your content: the point-by-point method and the block method. Each method has its own advantages and may be more suitable depending on the type of comparison you are making.

• Point-by-Point Method: This method involves discussing one point of comparison at a time between the two subjects. You will go back and forth between the subjects, highlighting similarities and differences for each point. This method allows for a more detailed and nuanced analysis of the subjects.
• Block Method: In contrast, the block method involves discussing all the points related to one subject first, followed by all the points related to the second subject. This method provides a more straightforward and organized comparison but may not delve as deeply into the individual points of comparison.

Ultimately, the choice between the point-by-point and block methods depends on the complexity of your comparison and the level of detail you want to explore. Experiment with both methods to see which one best suits your writing style and the specific requirements of your comparison essay.

Selecting the Best Approach

When it comes to writing a comparison essay, selecting the best approach is crucial to ensure a successful and effective comparison. There are several approaches you can take when comparing two subjects, including the block method and the point-by-point method.

The block method: This approach involves discussing all the similarities and differences of one subject first, followed by a thorough discussion of the second subject. This method is useful when the two subjects being compared are quite different or when the reader may not be familiar with one of the subjects.

The point-by-point method: This approach involves alternating between discussing the similarities and differences of the two subjects in each paragraph. This method allows for a more in-depth comparison of specific points and is often preferred when the two subjects have many similarities and differences.

Before selecting an approach, consider the nature of the subjects being compared and the purpose of your comparison essay. Choose the approach that will best serve your purpose and allow for a clear, organized, and engaging comparison.

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