Compare & Contrast Essay
Macbeth and Okonkwo
Full (Typed) Rough Draft Due: ______
Full Final Draft Due: ______
Assignment: Your final summative (essay) assessment for Things Fall Apart will be an
expository/argumentative essay—comparing and contrasting the character of Okonkwo
from Things Fall Apart and Macbeth from Macbeth.
The Comparison and Contrast Mode of Discourse: A comparison points out the ways
that two or more people, places, things, or ideas are alike. A contrast points out how
they differ. The subjects in a compare and contrast essay should be in the same class or
general category; if they have nothing in common, there is no good reason for setting
them side by side.
The function of any comparison or contrast is to clarify and explain. The writer’s purpose
may be simply to inform or to make readers aware of similarities or differences that are
interesting and significant in themselves. Or the writer may explain something
unfamiliar by comparing it with something very familiar, perhaps explaining the game of
squash by comparing it with tennis. In a compare and contrast literary essay, the writer focuses on two or more works of
literature (poetry or prose) and compare and contrast basic literary elements such as plot structure, setting, characters,
point of view, or theme. How might the works be similar in nature or contrary? For this essay, you will focus on character.
As a writer, you have two main options for organizing a comparison or contrast: the Subject-by-Subject (otherwise known
as Block to Block or Whole to Whole) pattern or the Point-by-Point (otherwise known as Topic-by-Topic) pattern. Please
see below for breakdown using both models.
Subject-by-Subject (Whole-to-Whole or Block Strategy)-According to the subjects themselves, discussing one then the other
Subject-by-Subject Pattern
Subject-by-Subject Example #1
Subject-by-Subject Example #2
I. Introduction
A. Hook/s
B. TAGS (include characters being
compared)
C. Thesis (comparisons and purpose)
II. First Subject Discussed
A. Quality #1 discussed
B. Quality #2 discussed
C. Quality #3 discussed
D. Quality #4 discussed
III. First Subject Discussed
A. Quality #1 discussed
B. Quality #2 discussed
C. Quality #3 discussed
D. Quality #4 discussed
IV. Synthesis/Integration paragraph to
acknowledge the surface comparisons
(similarities) and root contrasts
(differences)
V. Conclusion
I. Introduction (two places)
A. Hook/s
B. TAGS (include characters being
compared)
C. Thesis (comparisons and purpose)
II. Philadelphia
A. Climate
B. Public transportation
C. Tourist attractions (museums, zoos,
theme parks)
D. Accommodations
III. San Diego
A. Climate
B. Public transportation
C. Tourist attractions (museums, zoos,
theme parks)
D. Accommodations
IV. Synthesis/Integration paragraph to
acknowledge the surface comparisons
(similarities) and root contrasts
(differences)
V. Conclusion
I. Introduction (two characters in a text)
A. Hook/s
B. TAGS (include characters being compared)
C. Thesis (comparisons and purpose)
II. Bill Cunnngham
A. Beliefs/Morals/Motivations
B. Traits (personality)
C. Relationships/Ethics
D. Actions and Outcomes
III. Bob Ewell
A. Beliefs/Morals/Motivations
B. Traits (personality)
C. Relationships/Ethics
D. Actions and outcomes
IV. Synthesis/Integration paragraph to acknowledge
the surface comparisons (similarities) and root
contrasts (differences)
V. Conclusion
Note: The subject-by-subject pattern presents all the points about one subject and then all the points about the
other subject. Towards the end of the essay, a synthesis and/or integration paragraph is also included to chronicle
the essentials comparisons and differences.
Topic-by-Topic (Point-by-Point)- According to individual topics/points, discussing each subject in relation to each point
Topic-by-Topic Pattern
Topic-by-Topic Example #1
Topic-by-Topic Example #2
I. Intro (identifies subjects)
II. Topic/Point/Aspect #1
A. Subject A
B. Subject B
III. Topic/Point/Aspect #2
A. Subject A
B. Subject B
IV. Topic/Point/Aspect #3
A. Subject A
B. Subject B
V. Topic/Point/Aspect #4
A. Subject A
B. Subject B
VI. Conclusion
I. Intro (identifies subjects)
II. Topic/Point/Aspect #1 (Climate)
A. Subject A
B. Subject B
III. Topic/Point/Aspect #2 (Public Transportation)
A. Subject A
B. Subject B
IV. Topic/Point/Aspect #3 (Tourists
attractions)
A. Subject A
B. Subject B
V. Topic/Point/Aspect #4 (Accommodations)
A. Subject A
B. Subject B
VI. Conclusion
I. Introduction (two characters in a text)
A. Hook/s
B. TAGS (include characters being
compared)
C. Thesis (comparisons and purpose)
II. Topic/Point/Aspect #1 (Beliefs/Morals/Motivations)
A. Bill Cunnngham
B. Bob Ewell
III. Topic/Point/Aspect #2 (Traits/Personality)
A. Bill Cunnngham
B. Bob Ewell
IV. Topic/Point/Aspect #3 (Relationships/Ethics)
A. Bill Cunnngham
B. Bob Ewell
V. Topic/Point/Aspect #4 (Actions and Outcomes)
A. Bill Cunnngham
B. Bob Ewell
VI. Conclusion
Note: The point-by-point discusses one point (or topic) at a time as it applies to both subjects. This pattern allows
you to analyze differences and similarities as you go along.
Phrases of Comparison and Contrast
Comparison
one similarity
another similarity
both
like
likewise
similarly
in a similar fashion
Contrast
one difference
another difference
conversely
in contrast
unlike
while
whereas
Process: Writing a Comparison and Contrast Essay
First choose whether you want to compare seemingly disparate subjects, contrast seemingly similar subjects, or compare and
contrast subjects. Once you have decided on a topic, introduce it with an engaging opening paragraph. Your thesis should come
at the end of the introduction, and it should establish the subjects you will compare, contrast, or both as well as state what can
be learned from doing so.
The body of the essay can be organized in one of two ways: by subject or by individual points. The organizing strategy that you
choose will depend on, as always, your audience and your purpose. You may also consider your particular approach to the
subjects as well as the nature of the subjects themselves; some subjects might better lend themselves to one structure or the
other. Make sure to use comparison and contrast phrases to cue the reader to the ways in which you are analyzing the
relationship between the subjects.
After you finish analyzing the subjects, write a conclusion that summarizes the main points of the essay and reinforces your
thesis.
Name___________________________________ Block __________ Things Fall Apart & Macbeth Summative Essay
Requirements, Dues Dates, Etc.
(Checklist to be Turned in with Final Draft)
Basic Requirements:
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______ 1000-1200 words (minimum of 4 paragraphs, maximum of 8)
______ MLA format (including original title, double spaced, 1” margin, etc.)
______ Hard copy (rough and final) brought to class and digital copy submitted to turnitin.com
Focused Learning Targets: I can…
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______...effectively utilize comparing and contrasting as an evaluative tool in order to make accurate evaluations
about a given topic by citing critical points of similarity and difference.
______...analyze two complex characters from two different literary genres (drama and novel) and chart their
essential characteristics, traits, motivations etc…
______ …analyze how two complex characters develop over the course of the works in order to advance the plot or
create theme
______ …effectively cite (and embed) specific concrete details (textual support) from the core text
______ …follow the “Golden Rules of Responding to Literature”
______ …effectively use a variety of “bridge” words to signal implicit and/or implied meaning
______ …effectively use a wide variety of Quote Integration Strategies
______ …effectively use a wide variety of sentence types and beginnings
______ …effectively use transitional words and/or phrases to create continuity
______ …effectively use academic diction (avoiding clichés, idiomatic language, colloquial language, etc.)
______ …effectively use active, strong verbs that describe and/or support my claim
______ … effectively use correct grammatical structures and proper punctuation
Important Due Dates:
o _____________: Essay Prompt Review (Assignments Requirements, Leaning Targets, etc.)
o _____________: In-Class Drafting
o _____________: Thesis Statement (5 points formative)
o _____________: Outline (10 points formative)
o _____________: Introductory Paragraph (10 points formative)
o _____________: Hand-Written FULL Rough Draft (20 points formative)
o _____________: Typed and Printed FULL Rough Draft Due (20 points formative)
o _____________: Elements of Style Workshops (Direct Quotes/Clichés/Syntax/Golden Rules/Mechanic Checklist)
o _____________: Full Final Draft Due (Hard copy brought to class and digital submitted to turnitin.com by midnight
o _____________: All Workshops Docs, Rough Drafts & Peer Reviews (20 points formative)
Note: If you miss any of the above formative assignments (and deadlines) will not be able to rewrite your essay for a better
score.
Final Point Value:
_______________: Final Draft (Summative)
Double Note: Late essays will receive an automatic 2.5-point deduction for each day late. Both a digital and hard copy must be
submitted by the deadline in order for this penalty to not go in effect. If your essay is late, you will also forfeit your privilege of a
re-write.