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write a single claim statement that ties your two short stories together and gives your reader a concrete sense of what this essay will discuss. 

Address these aspects:

1. reporter's questions: who, what, when, where

2. Include the author's names and the names of the two short stories

3. do more than introduce the topic in your claim statement. Don't do this: I will compare the themes and the plot lines in these two short stories. This isn't a claim statement yet, because readers can't get a sense of what aspects you are drawing out. Ask yourself: what are the themes that you are addressing? What are the plot line aspects that you are investigating? 

When you figure those out, write those fine-tuned points into your claim statement. It's a pain to do, but believe me, when you are drafting your essay, you will appreciate this narrower focus. (because you won't have to cover life, the universe, and everything) :) 

4. After your claim statement, free-write around 250 words that discuss your ideas at this point. If you are unfamiliar with free-writes, this is an opportunity to just let your mind go and type for a while... The exercise doesn't have to be spelled well or be punctuated just right; I just want to see how your mind creates thought around these issues. If you are having a hard time coming up with thoughts -- well write that too. Just try to keep your fingers typing and see what you come up with when you aren't editing yourself too closely. Be gentle with yourself and be kind. (good advise always) :)