Essays /
Tips on writing a solid comparative essay when my two novels don't have enough similarities? [7]
@Holt
Thank you!
Well, admittedly there are similar themes. And okay, presentation can be part of the discussion. Cool. But I can't help but feel it is still inadequate. For example, one theme is very dominant in one novel, the other is more of a background, as other themes/issues take the forefront.
I think I might be able to pull through, but it just makes me feel a little bad because I feel like other novels could offer even more solid similarities. I don't know, I'm just paranoid. I'm worried the teacher will say I should've chosen two better novels?
I have to work really hard to make sure she doesn't, for sure!
I don't think I am allowed to compare writing styles.
Look, here is an example of the exact kind of essay I need to write (I wrote this last year). I'll take some extracts from it.
Analyse the way personal conflicts generate provocative insights regarding the external world.When personal values stand in conflict with public attitudes and beliefs, provocative insights concerning the external world are invoked. Harper Lee's seminal novel, To Kill a Mockingbird (1960), demonstrates this concept through the moral development of a young protagonist named Scout. Similar conflicts are recognised through Marjane Satrapi's graphic memoir Persepolis (2000), which depicts how Marji's progressive beliefs collide with the conservative ideals of the Islamic Revolution. Through the common use of a bildungsroman framework, both Lee and Satrapi portray how their protagonists experience personal realisations and insights regarding the true nature of their respective contexts. Their personal ideology conflicting with the discriminative nature of societal conduct towards marginalised groups, and the conformity regarding the role of women, ultimately leads to a broader understanding of inherent limitations within their patriarchal worlds.
I want a similarity like this -
Furthermore, both texts explore the influences of gender conformity. Mockingbird demonstrates this principle through Scout, whose ideals stand in direct antithesis with her surrounding social conventions of femininity. This is evident through how Scout's characteristics as a tomboy are forcefully mitigated by her aunt: "Aunt Alexandra's vision of my deportment involved playing with small stoves, tea sets..." The representation of her aunt as the 'southern belle' archetype of a woman being a wife and a social butterfly highlights the pressure put on Scout to overcome her lack of femininity and conform to societal expectations. Lee's utilisation of feminine metaphors, "I felt the starched walls of a pink cotton penitentiary closing in on me," emphasises when Scout starts realising that girlhood is a prison that keeps her captive, as Aunt Alexandra is stripping her of her right to dress and behave as she pleases. In addition, the joking tone Atticus uses to explain the lack of women in the Alabama jury: "I doubt we'd ever get a complete case tried - the ladies'd be interrupting to ask questions" serves to magnify the indignation of Scout, as she does not agree with being seen as a fickle creature who is only able to gossip. The conflict of ideals that Scout experiences serves to generate challenging insights into the views of gender and femininity within her public world.
Persepolis also expresses the perception of gender bias through Marji, who faces the intolerance of the Iranian government. In a similar fashion to Mockingbird, both protagonists experience the conflict of their ideals, and gender conventions. A prevalent motif is expressed through the introduction of the obligatory veil, portraying Iran's attempts to exert power over women through a loss of their individuality and ability. Marji is established as a strong character who does not wish to conform to this: "I wanted to be an educated, liberated woman... if the pursuit of knowledge meant getting cancer, so be it." However, when her mother is caught without the veil, the employment of shockingly crass and offensive words: "They said women like me should be pushed up against a wall and fucked and then thrown in the garbage," forces Marji to start considering the ramifications of any rebellious actions. As Marji continues to argue with teachers at her school, her mother warns her of punishments: "a guardian of the revolution marries her and takes her virginity before executing her," and Marji fully realises to the extent that women in her society are treated as property and objects, as opposed to her hopes of becoming an educated and liberated woman. Like Scout, through conflicting ideals, Marji is presented with challenging insights on how the veil reflects upon her surrounding society, in particular regard to gender bias.
I'm not sure if I can pull off an essay like that (again).
