Help me compare Concrete Mixers by Patricia Hubbell and The City Is So Big by Richard Garcia
Whenever you are writing a comparison/contrast paper (paragraph, essay, research paper), you need to plan it out very carefully on paper first.
1. Brainstorm about one of your topics on one page. Put its title at the top of that page.
2. Brainstorm about the other topic on a separate page. Put its title at the top of that page..
3. Then read over your brainstorming. Indicate all things that are similar with one symbol (maybe stars), and indicate all things that are differences (or maybe opposites) with a different symbol.
4. 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.
To compare the two poems, "Concrete Mixers" by Patricia Hubbell and "The City Is So Big" by Richard Garcia, you can analyze their themes, structure, imagery, and style. Here's how you can proceed:
1. Read both poems: Start by reading "Concrete Mixers" and "The City Is So Big" to gain a basic understanding of their content and message. Pay attention to the language, tone, and overall feel of each poem.
2. Identify themes: Consider the central ideas or themes explored in each poem. "Concrete Mixers" reflects on the construction industry and the hard work involved, whereas "The City Is So Big" delves into the overwhelming and bustling nature of city life.
3. Analyze the structure: Examine the structure of the two poems. Look at aspects such as line length, stanza breaks, and rhyme scheme. Does either poem employ a specific structure, like a sonnet or free verse? Note any similarities or differences in the way the poems are organized.
4. Explore imagery: Dive into the imagery used in both poems. How do the poets paint a visual picture with words? Do they use metaphors, similes, or other literary devices to convey their message? Pay attention to the sensory details present in each poem and consider how they contribute to the overall imagery.
5. Observe style and tone: Consider the distinctive style and tone of each poem. Does one poem rely more on descriptive language, while the other focuses on dialogue or narrative? How do these stylistic choices shape the themes and overall impact of the poems?
6. Draw comparisons: Based on your analysis of the two poems, you can begin comparing them. Look for commonalities or differences in their themes, structure, imagery, and style. Are there any shared motifs or contrasting approaches to similar subjects?
7. Write your comparison: Based on the observations you've made, you can now write a comparison of "Concrete Mixers" and "The City Is So Big." Outline your points about their themes, structure, imagery, and style, and discuss how these elements contribute to the overall message or impact of each poem.
Remember, comparing poems is a subjective task, and different readers may have varying interpretations of the same poems. Ensure that your comparison is based on evidence from the text to support your points.