How to write a comparative essay? Usually, in a comparative essay you have to show the similarities and differences between two objects or characters.
There are two types of comparisons
You can either explore and examine each object or character in detail and give them a separate characterisation without making any distinctions or trying to find similarities, or you can point out the advantages and disadvantages of each, deliberately comparing them and immediately analysing and summarising them. It is usually up to the writer to choose the order in which the similarities and differences are identified.
Here are some tips. Always choose two characters or two objects that have enough basis for comparison to score the required number of words in the essay. It should be a volume of 350 or more. A minimum of three points are required on which you will make the comparison. Remember to formulate a thesis statement at the beginning of the essay, which you will justify by telling the reader exactly what the purpose of your choice of characters is. There are two basic methods of comparison.
Give a comparative characteristic of the hero or subject separately in each paragraph. What does this mean? If, for example, you have chosen an essay on the subject of comparing two heroes or characters, in this case you could talk about one character first, and then the other and conclude with a conclusion.
But the second method, where the characters are compared point by point, is considered more convenient. Keep in mind that you can compare characters from the same book and from different works, as long as they are either similar or one is a prototype of the other.
A sample essay outline
So, on what points can you compose an essay “A comparative characterization of two characters”?
The appearance of the character (speech, clothing, behavior, facial expression, details of appearance).
The origin of the hero, his social status, education.
Way of life.
Relationship with other characters.
Love and friendship in the life of the characters.
The destiny of the hero (at the end of the work).
You should also think about how to write a good thesis for a comparative essay.
A comparison of the two works
Sometimes you will come across an assignment where you will have to compare two novels. Your first task will be to develop a good plan for analysing both novels. You can do this by creating some simple lists of features that can be compared. For each novel, you should identify the list of characters and their roles in the story, the important characteristics and all the key points, the time periods and times in which the characters live, the main characters. You can also try to come up with themes that could be comparable.
Approximate themes for character comparisons
Man against nature (what is the hero fighting for and what is his goal?).
The individual versus society (does each of the main characters feel like an outsider?).
The struggle between good and evil (which side is the hero on?).
Life’s journey (what cruel lessons does the protagonist learn from life and how do they help him or her become an individual?).
So how to write a comparative literature essay? The assignment usually gives a direction right away, which characters to take for comparison, what points of contact between them to find. But if there is no specific plan, don’t worry: you have more freedom for creative exploration! By giving you the task of comparing the two novels, the teacher’s aim is to get you to read more thoughtfully, not superficially. By delving into what is written, you will begin to understand the deeper meaning of the novel.
Essay plan
In the introduction, identify the object of description: who or what it is, why it will be described. If it is a single object, state its main function or role in its environment. If the object is a phenomenon or a situation, you can describe in the introduction what it is associated with or interesting in the first place. Describe the two objects you will be comparing.
Think about what it is that draws attention to each object that makes them recognisable. It could be its qualitative characteristics or the actions that occur in or with it.
According to the identification of this characteristic, use evaluative adjectives, adverbs, figurative expressions, and timeless verbs in the main body of the essay to describe the object, which characterize the states of the objects in different periods of time. Also use the above adjectives and verbs in comparative constructions and compound sentences.
First describe the most essential features and characteristics of the object so that it becomes recognisable, and then proceed with details and little things that complete the image; use original definitions and comparisons.
If you still don’t know how to write a comparative essay for world history or for another subject, use on that website.
