An occurrence at Owl Creek bridge compare and contrast to After Twenty Years
My first question for you is this: Have you read both stories at least twice?
http://anilbalan.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/an-occurrence-at-owl-creek-bridge.pdf
http://www.classicreader.com/book/1745/1/
After you have done that, follow these directions:
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. Write all the information about one of your topics on one page.
2. Write all the information about the other topic on another page.
3. Then put them together in this order:
1. Intro
2. All about topic A
~~~2A. detail 1
~~~2B. detail 2
~~~2C. detail 3
~~~2D. detail 4
~~~2E. detail 5
3. All about topic B
~~~3A. detail 1
~~~3B. detail 2
~~~3C. detail 3
~~~3D. detail 4
~~~3E. detail 5
4. Concl.
The number of details for each topic will vary depending on your main points. I would include comparisons (how they are similar) in the introduction and conclusion, but sections 2 and 3 and all those details will be stating and explaining how they are different.
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 re-post if you’d like feedback from someone here.
http://www.sparknotes.com/short-stories/an-occurrence-at-owl-creek-bridge/
http://www.reference.com/motif/literature/summary-of-after-twenty-years-by-o-henry
"An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" is a short story written by Ambrose Bierce, while "After Twenty Years" is a short story by O. Henry. Both stories explore the themes of time, deception, and unexpected twists. However, there are significant differences in their plots, settings, and writing styles.
To compare and contrast these two stories, you can follow these steps:
1. Read both stories: To understand and analyze the similarities and differences, first, read the two stories thoroughly. Take notes or highlight important points as you read to keep track of the key aspects.
2. Analyze the plot: Consider the plot structure, the sequence of events, and the main characters' actions. In "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge," the plot focuses on the protagonist, Peyton Farquhar, who is about to be hanged during the American Civil War. The story includes both his present situation and his vivid flashback. On the other hand, "After Twenty Years" revolves around two old friends, Jimmy Wells and Bob, who plan to meet again after twenty years. The story contains a surprise twist at the end.
3. Compare the themes: Consider the underlying themes in both stories. Both "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" and "After Twenty Years" explore the concept of time and the consequences of deception. However, the former also explores the fragility of life and the human mind under extreme circumstances, while the latter focuses more on loyalty and the passage of time changing people.
4. Analyze the settings: Examine how the settings contribute to the overall atmosphere and message of the stories. "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" takes place during the Civil War and primarily focuses on the bridge where the execution is to take place. The story oscillates between the physical, real-world setting and the protagonist's imagined escape. In contrast, "After Twenty Years" is set in New York City, with the majority of the action happening in a specific spot on the sidewalk.
5. Compare the writing styles: Consider the authors' writing styles, including their use of language, narrative techniques, and literary devices. Bierce's writing in "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" is known for its psychological realism and the shocking twist at the end. O. Henry, on the other hand, is renowned for his use of irony, clever wordplay, and surprise endings, such as in "After Twenty Years."
By following these steps, you will be able to compare and contrast the two stories effectively. Remember to provide evidence and examples from the texts to support your analysis.