write a comparative analysis essay
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
• At its most basic: compare and contrast (how the texts are similar and different)
• Must move beyond simple comparison: take the raw data (similarities and differences) and make it cohere into a meaningful argument • Our prompt: • Compare/contrast 4 texts (2 course texts & 2 outside texts)
that explore a form of Otherness. • How does the form of Otherness manifest in characters, plot,
themes, structure, and/or images? • Use direct evidence!
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS Components: 1. Frame of reference: The context within which you place
the things you plan to compare/contrast (i.e. Form(s) of Otherness)
2. Grounds for comparison: The rationale behind your choice; shows your choice of texts is deliberate and meaningful, not random
3. Thesis: The central argument or idea; how the texts you’ve chosen to compare/contrast relate/connect; the relationship should be stated clearly and have nuance (do the portrayals complement? Conflict?)
4. Organization: The sequence of content in the essay; can be text-by-text (discuss points of each text in separate paragraphs) or point-by-point (alternate points about one text with comparable points about another)
ANALYSIS: BORN INTO OTHERNESS
• Frankenstein’s monster was born into Otherness.
How did this affect his identity? His life?
“I was a poor, helpless miserable wretch; I knew and could distinguish nothing” (71)
ANALYSIS: BORN INTO OTHERNESS
• The monster was benevolent at first and tried to fit in with society:
“If such lovely creatures were miserable, it was less strange that I, an imperfect and solitary being, should be wretched.” (77)
• His last hope was the De Lacey family:
“I imagined that they would be disgusted, until, by my gentle demeanor and conciliating words, I should first win their favor, and afterwards their love.” (81)
ANALYSIS: BORN INTO OTHERNESS
• After being rejected, the Monster began to devolve into a vengeful being:
“Cursed, cursed creator! Why did I live?...my feelings were those of rage and revenge.” (97)
ANALYSIS: BORN INTO OTHERNESS
• Synthesis (nuance): • What does Shelley’s
portrayal of being born into Otherness show readers?
• Would things have been different for the monster had he been accepted into society?
Dr. Frankenstein and society = the true monsters?
ANALYSIS: BORN INTO OTHERNESS
Text #2: X-Men How does it connect?
ANALYSIS: BORN INTO OTHERNESS
• X-Men: team of superheroes; mutants, born with superhuman abilities; Marvel comics turned into films • Main characters:
Charles Xavier (telepath who can control and read minds); Magneto (generates and controls magnetic fields), etc.
• Fight for equality between humans and mutants • Anti-mutant bigotry is
fierce and widespread • Charles X and
Magneto have conflicting views about relationship between mutants and humans
ANALYSIS: BORN INTO OTHERNESS
• Synthesis (comparison and nuance): • How do the plights of
these characters (Frankenstein’s Monster and the X-Men) connect?
• Similarities/differences? • What role does society
play in these characters’ lives? (Afraid of what we do not understand?)
ANALYSIS: BORN INTO OTHERNESS
Text #3: Jericho Brown
• How does it connect? • In what ways have
Brown and the speakers of his poems been born into Otherness? • How does this affect the
speakers?
“Romans 12:1” & “Heartland”
ANALYSIS: BORN INTO OTHERNESS
Romans 12:1 “As is the practice among my people Who are several and whole, holy And acceptable. On the whole Hurt by me, they will not call me Brother. Hear me coming, And they cross their legs.”
Heartland “Before I saw doctors who help me Fool you into believing I do anything other than the human thing. We breathe until we don’t. Every last word is contagious.”
ANALYSIS: BORN INTO OTHERNESS
• Synthesis (comparison and nuance): • How do all three texts
connect in their portrayal of being born into Otherness?
• How are Brown’s speakers different?
(i.e. Did they go on murderous rampages due to society’s rejection/ mistreatment?)
ANALYSIS: BORN INTO OTHERNESS
Text #4: Lady Gaga
• How does it connect? • What is Gaga’s version
of being born into Otherness? • How does it affect the
individuals she describes?
“Born this Way”
ANALYSIS: BORN INTO OTHERNESS
“Don’t be a drag, just be a queen Whether you’re broke or evergreen You’re black, white, beige, chola descent You’re Lebanese, you’re Orient Whether life’s disabilities Left you outcast, bullied, or teased Rejoice and love yourself today ‘cause baby you were born this way.”
• What’s Gaga’s message in these lyrics?
ANALYSIS: BORN INTO OTHERNESS
• Synthesis (comparison and nuance): • How do all four texts
connect in their portrayal of being born into Otherness? • How is Gaga’s
portrayal different?
BRING IT HOME!
• What have we learned about these various portrayals of being born into otherness? • How have they been similar and different? • What’s the central idea/thesis?
(Those who are born into Otherness face significant challenges including fitting in with mainstream society and…which can lead to.... However, if they see this Otherness as a blessing instead of a burden, they will lead more successful lives...”