I'm writing an essay comparing and contrasting two of Edgar Allan Poe's poems, "Annabel Lee" and "The Raven". I'll be comparing and contrasting the theme, rhyme scheme, irony and the use of figurative language. I have an idea of what I will be writing but I'm stuck on the introduction...can someone please help get started?

You need to write the thesis statement first, then the body of the paper. When you've done that, then you're ready to write the introduction.

im doing this now. its hard

Certainly! I can help you come up with an introduction for your essay comparing and contrasting Edgar Allan Poe's poems, "Annabel Lee" and "The Raven". Here's a suggested starting point:

Introduction:

Edgar Allan Poe, renowned for his masterful use of literary devices and his exploration of themes like love, loss, and the macabre, presents readers with two hauntingly beautiful poems - "Annabel Lee" and "The Raven". Both poems captivate the reader with their melodic rhythms and evoke a sense of melancholy. While each poem delves into the depths of grief and despair, they approach the themes in distinct ways, employing different rhyme schemes, employing irony and utilizing figurative language to heighten their impact. This essay will compare and contrast the themes, rhyme schemes, irony, and use of figurative language in "Annabel Lee" and "The Raven" to highlight the unique aspects of these two remarkable works.

Explanation:

To start your introduction, you can begin by providing a brief overview of Edgar Allan Poe's reputation as a writer known for his skilled use of literary devices and his fascination with themes of love, loss, and the macabre. This will establish context and set the stage for discussing the two poems.

Next, mention the specific poems you will be analyzing - "Annabel Lee" and "The Raven" - and use words like "hauntingly beautiful" to convey the atmosphere they create. This helps create intrigue and captures the reader's interest from the very beginning.

After establishing their general similarities, introduce the main focus of your essay by stating that you will be comparing and contrasting the themes, rhyme schemes, irony, and use of figurative language in both poems. This clearly outlines the structure and purpose of your essay.

Lastly, briefly highlight the significance of the themes, rhyme schemes, irony, and figurative language in these poems. This will create anticipation and emphasize the importance of analyzing these elements in order to gain a deeper understanding of Poe's work.

Remember, this is just a suggested introduction. Feel free to modify it according to your personal writing style and your thesis statement.