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Comparative Elements of Lit Assignment

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16 views3 pages

Comparative Elements of Lit Assignment

Uploaded by

dandonbrudahs
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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English 30-1 Short Stories

Elements of Literature: Comparative Writing Assignment


Submit google doc as a link to the dropbox – 8%

What is comparative writing?


In comparative writing, you are asked to compare two pieces of literature. The comparative study
of texts allows you to gain a deeper appreciation of both unique characteristics of individual texts
and complex systems of connection. You will start to be able to see similarities and differences
among diverse texts. Consider:

● In what ways can diverse texts share points of similarity?


● How do authors use elements and literary techniques similarly or differently?
● What choices do authors make when writing texts to offer multiple perspectives of a single
issue, topic or theme?
● In what ways can comparison and interpretation be transformative?

1. Choose one comparative element/topic. Here are some examples that may work with
your story choices. You may also choose your own element or topic not listed here.

ELEMENT THEME OR TOPIC THEME OR TOPIC THEME OR TOPIC

significance of
plot structure coming of age ambiguity
place

point of view class systems/power love resolution

dialogue lament gender roles irony

exposition form use of colour job(s)

opening and
setting title use of metaphor
closing lines

symbol/motif grief acts of rebellion inequality


parent/child
imagery hope change
relationships
dreams loss
tone weather
character-portrayal of
resilience money conversations
adults
character -portrayal of
happiness broken things dreaming
youth

antagonist trauma fathers finite/infinite

protagonist contempt power empathy

simile music protest suffering

metaphor bitterness attention hope

flashback luck paralysis ambition

conflict idealism constraints era

2. Look up the definition of the element of literature topic and/or theme. Familiarize
yourself with the topic or element from more than one source. Make sure you have a
good understanding of how authors may use this element or topic to tell a story.

3. Consider the role of this element/topic in TWO of the stories in this learning guide.

Decide on a similarity or difference between the two stories. Your task is to compare or
contrast an element or idea that both stories or authors explore. Use specific evidence
from the stories (quotes or direct/indirect evidence or examples.)

For example:

● Compare how two stories explore the topic of grief and how that connects to the
overall theme.
● Compare how two stories use colour and how that connects to the overall
theme.
● Compare the resolution of two stories and how that connects to the overall
theme.
● Compare how two stories explore the idea of power and how that connects to
the overall theme.
● Compare how two stories portray fathers and how that connects to the overall
theme.
● Compare how two stories use magic and how that connects to the overall
theme.
See last year’s exemplars or an ELA teacher for ideas and help.

General Structure Notes

Paragraph 1 - Introduction

● discuss element
● critical discussion of element or topic in relation to theme
● do some research about your topic (ie.. trauma, shame, colour symbolism)
include your thesis here - state the two stories and authors and the significance
of the element/topic you have chosen to the overall theme/story

Paragraph 2 - Story 1 - do not retell, but employ specific evidence to support your ideas, must
use quotes and specific evidence from the stories.

Paragraph 3 - Story 2 - do not retell, but employ specific evidence to support your ideas, must
use quotes and specific evidence from the stories.

Paragraph 4 - Comparative thoughts, conclusion, insights into characters, stories, themes

● Ensure that your response is a comparative discussion – how both stories make use of
the element/topic and should include your insight into how, why and the effect of the
author’s choices.
● Ensure that you connect how the use of the element or topic reflects the larger theme.
● Develop a thesis statement that clearly compares the two stories and the “role” of
the element/topic in these stories.
● Employ a number of quotes/examples from the short stories to explain and support
your ideas.
● Create a Works Cited page for research resources

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