Compare and contrast two or more poems from Songs of Innocence and Experience.
I have chosen 'The Lamb' and 'The Tyger' but I'm not sure how to write this type of essay or what the introduction should be.
Any tips, help would be really great. Thanks!
Whenever you are writing a comparison/contrast paper (paragraph, essay, research paper), you need to plan it out very carefully on paper first.
Try this:
1. List all the information about one of your topics on one page. (Topic A)
2. List all the information about the other topic on another page. (Topic B)
3. Then put them together in this order:
1. Intro, including thesis statement
2. Similarities in both topics
3. Specific contrast items about topic A
~~~2A. detail 1
~~~2B. detail 2
~~~2C. detail 3
~~~2D. detail 4
~~~2E. detail 5
4. Specific contrast items about topic B
~~~3A. detail 1
~~~3B. detail 2
~~~3C. detail 3
~~~3D. detail 4
~~~3E. detail 5
5. Concl.
The number of details for each topic will vary depending on your main points. You can include comparisons (how they are similar) in the introduction and conclusion if there are very few, but if there are several points of comparison, then write those in their own paragraph. Sections 3 and 4 and all those particular details will be stating and explaining how they are different (contrast).
There are two recognized patterns for writing comparison/contrast papers. One is casually referred to as "zig-zag,” but can be very confusing for the reader if you don’t use transitions effectively. The other is topic-by-topic (which is what I've outlined above) and is much easier for the reader to follow.
See http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/comparcontrast.html for further help with comparison/contrast writing.
Once you have organized your information, please repost if you’d like feedback from someone here.
=)
Writing an essay comparing and contrasting two or more poems requires a clear structure and thoughtful analysis. This type of essay typically consists of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Here is a suggested approach to help get you started.
1. Introduction:
- Start with a general statement about Songs of Innocence and Experience, highlighting its significance and themes.
- Provide brief background information on William Blake, the author of the poems.
- Introduce the poems you have chosen, 'The Lamb' and 'The Tyger,' mentioning their placement in the collection and their overarching themes.
- Conclude your introduction with a clear thesis statement that outlines your main points and the overall argument or perspective you will present in your essay.
2. Body paragraphs:
- Begin each body paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main point you will be discussing.
- Dive into a close analysis of each poem, focusing on their themes, imagery, structure, language, and tone. Consider how these elements contribute to the overall meaning and message of each poem.
- For example, you might discuss how 'The Lamb' symbolizes innocence and explores themes of purity and divine creation, while 'The Tyger' presents a contrasting image of a fierce and mysterious predator, delving into questions about the nature of evil and the complexity of existence.
- Provide specific examples from the poems to support your analysis. Quote lines or phrases that illustrate your points.
- Ensure to compare and contrast the two poems within each body paragraph, highlighting similarities and differences in how they approach similar themes or use similar poetic devices.
- Aim to have a balanced discussion, giving both poems equal attention.
3. Conclusion:
- Summarize the main points you have discussed in the body paragraphs and restate your thesis.
- Reflect on the significance and lasting impact of the poems. Consider their relevance in the context of the collection as a whole and the broader themes Blake explores.
- Conclude by offering a final thought or insight, leaving the reader with a sense of the poems' significance and potentially their ongoing relevance in the present day.
Remember to support your arguments with evidence from the poems and analyze their deeper meaning rather than solely providing a surface-level comparison. Don't hesitate to revise and edit your essay once you have finished writing to ensure clarity, coherence, and proper organization. Good luck!