I have to write a compare and contrast essay of 300 to 500 words on two characters. The characters have to be from the Wife of Bath, The Clerk's Tale, or The Merchant's tale. I am having trouble deciding which characters to write about. Which two characters would be easiest to compare and contrast? Could someone help?

I think the Wife of Bath and the Clerk would be an interesting pair to write about. Both have strong ethics but are very different in life style.

When it comes to writing a compare and contrast essay, it's important to choose two characters that share similarities and differences. To determine which characters would be easiest to compare and contrast, you can start by examining their personalities, actions, values, and roles in their respective tales.

To begin, let's take a closer look at the characters from "The Wife of Bath," "The Clerk's Tale," and "The Merchant's Tale." The Wife of Bath is a complex character known for her extensive travels, five marriages, and her energetic and outspoken nature. The Clerk is a highly educated and scholarly individual who values knowledge and moral correctness. The Merchant is a character characterized by his wealth, business dealings, and his cynical and disillusioned views on marriage.

To choose the two characters that would be easiest to compare and contrast, consider the following factors:

1. Similarities: Look for characters who share some common characteristics or experiences. For example, the Wife of Bath and the Merchant both have experiences with multiple marriages, while the Clerk may share similarities with the Merchant's skeptical views on love and marriage.

2. Differences: Consider characters who have contrasting viewpoints, values, or roles. For instance, the Wife of Bath's strong and assertive personality differs from the Clerk's more reserved and scholarly nature.

3. Depth of Analysis: Choose characters that offer enough material for a comprehensive analysis within the given word count. Characters with well-defined and contrasting traits are more likely to provide enough substance for your essay.

Based on these factors, a recommended pair of characters to compare and contrast would be the Wife of Bath and the Clerk. These characters exhibit clear differences in their perspectives, values, and approaches to love, marriage, and gender dynamics, which can provide rich material for your essay.

Now that you have an idea of which characters to focus on, you can further explore their backgrounds, actions, beliefs, and interactions within their respective tales. This will enable you to find specific points of comparison and contrast to develop a strong and engaging essay. Remember to support your analysis with evidence from the text to strengthen your arguments.

Good luck with your essay, and don't hesitate to ask if you need further assistance!