Hi! I need some ideas for my compare and contrast draft essay on Love after Love by Derek Walcott and The Youngest Doll by Rosario Ferre. I described both of them but I forgot to do the comparing and contrasting. Any ideas?

Of course! To compare and contrast two texts, such as "Love after Love" by Derek Walcott and "The Youngest Doll" by Rosario Ferre, you can start by identifying the main themes, literary devices, and narrative techniques used in each story.

Here are some steps to help you begin your comparison and contrast analysis:

1. Identify the themes: Read through both texts and identify the main themes that are explored. For example, "Love after Love" might explore themes of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and personal growth, while "The Youngest Doll" might delve into themes of societal expectations, objectification, and gender roles. Make a list of these themes for each story and note any similarities or differences.

2. Analyze literary devices: Consider the literary devices used in each text, such as symbolism, imagery, and metaphors. For example, in "Love after Love," Walcott might use imagery of nature and the self to convey the theme of self-discovery. In "The Youngest Doll," Ferre might employ symbolism to represent women's objectification. Analyze how these literary devices contribute to the themes in each text and compare how they are used.

3. Compare narrative techniques: Examine the narrative techniques utilized by each author to tell their story. For instance, "Love after Love" might be written in first person and use a more introspective and reflective tone, whereas "The Youngest Doll" could be written in third person and adopt a more detached and critical tone. Compare the narrative techniques employed and explore how they affect the overall tone, style, and impact of the stories.

4. Explore character development: Look at the characters in each story and analyze their development throughout the narrative. Consider their roles, motivations, and relationships. For example, in "Love after Love," the speaker might experience a transformation and growth in self-love, while in "The Youngest Doll," the protagonist might struggle with societal expectations and the consequences of objectification. Compare the character development in each story and discuss any similarities or differences.

5. Analyze the authors' intentions: Research the background of the authors, their writing styles, and any literary movements or historical contexts that might have influenced their work. This will enable you to understand their intentions and perspectives better. Discuss how these factors contribute to the similarities or differences in the themes, literary devices, and character development found in each text.

Remember to incorporate quotations from the texts to support your comparisons and contrasts. By analyzing the themes, literary devices, narrative techniques, character development, and authors' intentions, you can provide a well-rounded comparison and contrast between "Love after Love" and "The Youngest Doll" in your draft essay.