I need to write an essay comparing estrangement and alienation in cat on a hot tin roof and awakening, I sort of know what to write but I'm struggling to get a good opening to my essay. Help!

hmmm. So is it comparative or analytical?

DON'T start any paper's first draft by writing the introduction! How can you introduce a paper that you haven't written yet?

Follow the writing process, whether you're writing for science, history, English, or whatever:

Prewriting: Brainstorm, research, plan, outline, thesis statement

Writing: Write first draft by starting with section II of your outline; write the introduction after the body of the paper is written; write the conclusion last.

Polishing: Revise, concentrating first on the body of the paper, then the intro, then the concl (revision = making sure ideas are logical and sequential and support your thesis); proofread (spelling, grammar, usage, etc.)

Do you have a thesis yet? Have you done your brainstorming (and maybe research) yet? Have you written an outline?

http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/catalogue.html#org
from http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/catalogue.html

http://www.angelfire.com/wi/writingprocess/

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/
Check in the Essay & Research Paper Level.

Writing a strong and engaging opening to your essay is indeed crucial to grab the reader's attention. Here are a few steps you can follow to craft a compelling introduction:

1. Familiarize yourself with the texts: Before diving into your essay, make sure you have a good understanding of the plays "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" by Tennessee Williams and "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin. Analyze the themes of estrangement and alienation in each work and take notes on specific examples or scenes that highlight these concepts.

2. Create a hook: Start your essay with an attention-grabbing hook that captures the reader's interest. Consider using a compelling quote from one of the plays or an intriguing fact about the authors or the time period in which these works were written. This will help set the tone for your essay and spark the reader's curiosity.

3. Introduce the topic: After your hook, provide a brief overview of the plays and the central themes of estrangement and alienation that you will be analyzing. This should give the reader a sense of what to expect from your essay and why these themes are significant in both works.

4. Provide context: Give some context about the plays and their respective authors. Mention any relevant background information about Tennessee Williams and Kate Chopin and explain how their personal experiences or the societal context of their time may have influenced the exploration of the themes of estrangement and alienation in their works.

5. Thesis statement: End your introduction with a clear and concise thesis statement that outlines your main argument or the points you will be discussing in your essay. Make sure your thesis statement reflects the specific focus of your analysis and sets the tone for the rest of your essay.

Remember, an effective introduction should be concise, engaging, and provide a roadmap for the reader to understand what your essay will be exploring. By following these steps and carefully considering the themes of estrangement and alienation in both plays, you can create a compelling opening that will captivate your readers.