these conflicts differ.

• Here is a model of an answer on a comparison/contrast of characters:

Q:  Compare and contrast Ralph and Jack in Lord of the Flies.

A.  Both Ralph and Jack are part of the group of schoolboys who are stranded on a deserted island when their plane crashes. The blond, handsome Ralph seems a natural leader, while the red-haired, intemperate Jack displays little patience with the boys in his choir. For example, he disparages Simon as always complaining:

"He's always throwing a faint....He did in Big; and Addis; and at matins over the percentor."

Further, when Jack is not elected chief, his "face disappeared under a blush of mortification. he started up, then changed his mind and sat down again while the air rang." These actions suggest that Jack may harbor some resentment against Ralph. Later in the novel, Jack's actions prove that he does resent Ralph because he turns the boys, who have become hunters along with him, against Ralph. In Chapter Five, for example, .....

______________________________

In this example, there is (1) a general statement of comparison and/or contrast (difference); then, there are (2) examples that support/defend the general statement. [More would be given from later chapters if this were a real answer.] Citing (quoting) from the literary work supports answers.

In another model of Compare and Contrast, there could be two poems under discussion. The student could then discuss the likenesses and differences in themes or techniques, such as imagery, symbolism, rhyme, rhythm, metaphor, etc.

When making these comparisons, or explaining the differences, it is best to point to one thing at a time and discuss both poems with each point made. For example, if the student is asked to compare/contrast Robert Burns's "A Red, Red Rose" with "One Perfect Rose" by Dorothy Parker, the student would surely discuss the tones of each poem. 

• Here is a model of one point that could be made, demonstrating contrast:

Whereas the tone of the poem of Robert Burns is one of endearment and love, the tone of Dorothy Parker's poem is one of subtle sarcasm and irony. Burns writes......., but Parker points to her receiving a "single rose" several times, and then indicates her dissatisfaction with her final lines.

As further assistance, see the links below.

A "compare and contrast" directive asks that both similarities and differences be pointed out about a certain element in literature or whatever subject is under question. When writing about literature there are two methods of comparing and contrasting: the Block Method and the Point-by-Point Method.

• Block Method

In the Block Method, the writer takes one work that is being compared to another separately, rather than discussing similarities and differences simultaneously. In other words, one part of the paper is about one work; the other part is on the second work. Here is an example:

Subject 1: Poem A

• Element 1: theme
• Element 2: tone
• Element 3: figures of speech 

Subject 2: Poem B

• Element 1: theme
• Element 2: tone
• Element 3: figures of speech

The other method, the Point-by-Point Method involves making comparisons or contrasts simultaneously. This method demonstrates well analytical skills and is usually preferred by instructors, especially college professors. Here is an example:

• Element 1:  theme
  Subject 1: Poem A
  Subject 2: Poem B
• Element 2: tone
  Subject 1: Poem A
  Subject 2: Poem B
• Element 3: figures of speech
  Subject 1: Poem A
  Subject 2: Poem B

In this Point-by-Point, comparisons are, then, made directly after an element is introduced. For instance, 

While both poems by Emily Dickinson are concerned with the theme of death, this theme is handled differently in "Because I Could not Stop for Death" than it is in "My Life Closed Twice Before Its Close." In the latter poem, there is pain and suffering whereas in the first poem, Death comes as a kindly gentleman to escort her. In lines ---, Dickinson writes,

------------------------- [lines from the poem support the point]
-------------------------

On the other hand, in "My Life Closed Twice," Dickinson writes,

--------------------------- [citation of poem]
--------------------------

The use of transitional words in making comparisons and contrasts are also important as they establish the relationship of the elements being discussed. Here is a list of words that are appropriate as transitions for comparison/contrast essays:

To make a contrast: and yet, but, however, instead, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the contrary, on the other hand, still

To show similarities: similarly, likewise, also, too, in addition, in the same manner, both...and, just as....so does...,furthermore, in the same way, not only....but also

Use the links below for further help