Comparison-Contrast, Literary Analysis Thesis How-to, Examples and Plan

THESIS: The thesis for an essay comparing and contrasting the works of two authors needs to state the
key similarities and differences. Remember, you do not want to write an announcement, a broad
generality, a summary, or a statement of fact (examples below). You also do not want a list of topics with
no focus. Finally, you do not have a thesis if you have separate statements about your authors and works
but do not bring them together in one sentence. Examples 1-5 below are the kinds of statements
you want to AVOID making. Example #6 is an acceptable thesis. Each is followed by an
explanation.
1. Announcement:
This paper will analyze the similarities and differences between Lord of the Flies and The Birds. [TOO
VAGUE AND TOO BLATANT]
2. General Statement:
William Golding and Daphne DuMaurier have many interesting similarities and differences in their two
works of fiction. [BORING AND OBVIOUS]
3. Statement of Fact:
William Golding uses violence in Lord of the Flies, and Daphne DuMaurier explains the attack of the birds.
[NOTE: No comparison exists in this statement either; its very summary-like, and its verbs are weak.]
4. List of Topics:
William Golding and Daphne DuMaurier both discuss characters, plot and themes in their works of fiction.
[NOTE: This statement is far too vague and also lacks contrast.]
5. Two Separate Sentences:
William Golding utilizes children to examine how societies create rules and order in Lord of the Flies. In
contrast, Daphne DuMaurier illustrates the dangers of ignorance with the characters of Mr. and Mrs. Trigg
in The Birds. [NOTE: You may have sentences like these in your introduction or body, but you have not
arrived at a thesis yet. These two sentences have not clearly identified any common ground, either, so
they seem to have no relationship.]
6. Acceptable Thesis:
Even though both William Golding and Daphne DuMaurier both utilize ___________ and ___________ to create
________, they differ in how they demonstrate ___________. [This thesis offers two comparisons and a
contrast without making it sound like a five-paragraph essay. Obviously, you can choose verbs other than
utilize and demonstrate, but you need descriptive, present-tense verbs. There are a number of ways
you can modify this template to meet your needs. See me if you have other ideas and/or questions.]
PLAN:
The basic patterns of comparison/contrast are called block or parallel structure and point-by-point
structure. Generic outlines are provided below, as well.
You have a choice of two generic structures, listed below.
BLOCK or PARALLEL STRUCTURE
I.
Introduction (thesis = last sentence)
sentence)
II.
All about first work
A. First point
B. Second point
C. Third point
III.
All about second work
A. Parallel first point state above
B. Parallel second point stated above
C. Parallel third point stated above
IV.
Conclusion

POINT-BY-POINT STRUCTURE
I.
Introduction (thesis = last
II.

V.

First point about both works

A. Author As view
B. Author Bs view
III.
Second point about both works
A. Author As view
B. Author Bs view
IV.
Third point about both works
A. Author As view
B. Author Bs view
Conclusion