Name: _________________________________________________ Date: ______________________
Portfolio Piece Number Two – The Literary Analysis Essay
Compare/Contrast Essay Prompt – In Anthem and “The Myth of Prometheus,” the authors both
address the topics of (1) the advancement of mankind and (2) the sacrifices that come with fighting
against power. Write an essay that compares the character of Equality 7-2521 to the character of the
god Prometheus—as they show a common THEME.
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Consider the change/growth in each character
Consider what each character contributed to aid humanity
Consider what they gave up in their quest to bring aid to humanity
This assignment is modeled after a MCAP prompt! It is almost always THEMATIC. Start by figuring out
the COMMON THEME. That is your thesis. Next, think about how the texts each show that theme. You
need to prove your theme using quotes and analysis from both texts.
INTRODUCTION:
A good literary analysis introduction (1) BRIEFLY sums up the texts and (2) includes a thesis.
(1) Complete your summaries first:
(2) Your thesis should respond directly to the prompt: Who essentially IS Equality 7-2521—in
terms of character traits? Who essentially IS Prometheus—in terms of character traits? What
COMMON THEME do they both show?
Body Paragraph One: Examine the first character that shows the theme in depth—Anthem
A good body paragraph starts with a topic sentence. The topic sentence reminds the reader of the theme and tells the reader what
specific text this paragraph will be addressing. Your topic sentence can follow this formula:
The theme of both the novel and the myth was
________________________________________________________________________________.
Equality 7-2521’s character shows this theme.
To connect Equality’s character to the theme, you should discuss the man Equality was at the beginning of the book. What were his
character traits? What quotes show his character in action? (He is living the opposite of the theme at this point!) Make sure you are
explaining the quotes.
Equality 7-2521’s character traits at the
beginning of the book:
Include a quote that shows the sort of
man Equality 7-2521 was at the beginning
of the book. Try to find a quote that
shows theme:
What is the meaning of the quote / how
does it show theme?
The things that changed Equality 7-2521
were (a quote and explanation would be
good here, too):
Next, you should discuss the man Equality became by the end of the book. What were his character traits?
What quotes show his character in action? Make sure you are explaining the quotes.
Equality 7-2521’s character traits at the
end of the book:
Include a quote that shows the sort of
man Equality 7-2521 was at the end of
the book. Try to find a quote that shows
theme:
What is the meaning of the quote / how
does it show theme?
How does Equality 7-2521 see humanity?
What does Equality 7-2521 contribute to aid humanity?
What does Equality 7-2521 give up in his quest to change his world? What new lesson does he learn by
breaking free?
Body Paragraph Two: Examine the second character that shows the theme in depth—“The Myth of
Prometheus”
A good body paragraph starts with a topic sentence. The topic sentence reminds the reader of the theme and tells the reader what
specific text this paragraph will be addressing. Your topic sentence can follow this formula:
The theme of both the novel and the myth was
________________________________________________________________________________.
Prometheus’ character also shows this theme.
To connect Prometheus’ character to the theme, you should discuss the man Prometheus was at the beginning of the
myth. What were his character traits? What quotes show his character in action? Make sure you are explaining the
quotes.
Prometheus’ character trait at the
beginning of the myth:
Include a quote that shows the sort of
god Prometheus was at the beginning of
the myth. Try to find a quote that shows
theme:
What is the meaning of the quote / how
does it show theme?
The things that changed Prometheus
were (a quote and explanation would be
good here, too):
Next, you should discuss the man Prometheus became by the end of the myth. What were his character
traits? What quotes show his character in action? Make sure you are explaining the quotes.
Prometheus’ character traits at the end
of the myth:
Include a quote that shows the sort of
god Prometheus was at the end of the
myth. Try to find a quote that shows
theme:
What is the meaning of the quote / how
does it show the theme?
How does Prometheus see humanity?
What does Prometheus contribute to aid humanity?
What does Prometheus give up in his quest to help humanity? What new lesson does he learn by defying the
head god Zeus? Include a quote and analysis.
Conclusion: Repeat thesis. Sum up big commonalities. Discuss differences that are striking between the two
characters.