WRITING A COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY
STEP ONE: Brainstorm Using a Venn Diagram
A. Use the research you’ve collected on both of your trickster characters to fill in the Venn Diagram.
B. Start by listing the differences between the tricksters. Things to look for: 1. In what culture did your trickster derive, 2. Can your trickster shape shift, 3. Is your trickster a creator, 4. Is the trickster a culture-bringer, 5. Does the trickster manipulate others and make mischief, 6. Is he/she a hunger-driven manipulator, 7. Is the trickster a lazy work avoider, 8. Can your trickster shift its sex, 8. Does your trickster try to steal the wives of others, 9. Is your trickster a food thief, 10. can you describe your trickster as ever scheming, never remorseful, 11. Is the trickster an animal or a human, 12. What powers does your trickster have, 13. When and where did the trickster originate, 14. Is the trickster still considered a cultural legend, 15. Would you describe the trickster as a doer of good or evil, etc.
STEP TWO: Develop a Thesis Statement
STEP THREE: Choose a Body Structure
For compare and contrast essays, I recommend using the alternating method because it helps the writer evenly represent both cases, and it ensures a highly organized structure. A second option is the block style, which is useful when your topics lack closely related points. Descriptions of both styles are supplied below.
STEP FOUR: Decide What to Focus On
For the purposes of the Project Space essay, consider what is relevant to the topic and to the class. We are studying the spaces in which trickster characters live(d) and thrive(d). We are also interested in analyzing the tricksters’ attributes and how their actions, presence, and motivations impacted the culture(s) in which their myth or folklore developed. There are some additional ideas to consider below relating to people and historical periods.
IN-CLASS ACTIVITY
1. Complete your Venn diagram.
2. Write a thesis statement. Swap with your neighbor to share feedback.
3. Spend the last few minutes of class freewriting your ideas for your essay.
HOMEWORK
WRITING PROMPT:
Write a five-page essay in which you compare and contrast your classical mythological trickster with your chosen contemporary trickster figure.
Classify the traits of each entity and highlight the similarities and differences between each character.
Evaluate each character’s home space and describe the ways their actions have impacted their respective communities and cultures over time. Address the current relevance, if any, of the trickster character.
Your essay must include:
- Three external sources
- Strong clear thesis statement
- Works cited page (MLA)
- Correct in-text citations (MLA)
Assignment Value: 100 Points.
English Writing Studies 