What are some comparisons between the short story "The Black Cat" by Edgar Allen Poe and the novel Stones by William Bell?
No idea. You're asking about works that tutors may or may not have read.
If you need ideas about how to construct and write a comparison/contrast paper, though, let me know.
Yes, I could really use some ideas on how to construct and write a comparison/contrast paper. I'm having a very difficult time
Whenever you are writing a comparison/contrast paper, you need to plan it out very carefully on paper first.
Try this:
1. Brainstorm about one of your topics on one sheet of paper.
2. Brainstorm about the other topic on a separate sheet of paper.
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.
Thank you so much. I really appreciate this
You're very welcome!
Feel free to post your thesis and outline/plan if you want us to check it before you start writing.
To compare the short story "The Black Cat" by Edgar Allan Poe and the novel "Stones" by William Bell, you'll need to examine various elements of both works, including themes, characters, setting, and writing style. Here's how you can go about finding the comparisons:
1. Read both works: Start by reading "The Black Cat" and "Stones" from beginning to end. As you read, take notes on key aspects of each story, such as plot points, character traits, and thematic elements.
2. Identify the themes: Themes are the underlying messages or ideas in a literary work. In "The Black Cat," some themes may include guilt, karma, and the destructive force of alcoholism. In "Stones," themes like family relationships, coming of age, and the consequences of one's actions may be present. Take note of the themes in each story and see if there are any similarities or differences between them.
3. Analyze characters: Characters play a critical role in both stories. In "The Black Cat," the narrator's descent into madness and the cat's symbolic representation of guilt are significant. In "Stones," the protagonist and his relationships with his family and friends are central to the story. Examine the characters in both works and look for similarities or differences in their development, motivations, or relationships.
4. Compare settings: Settings help establish the atmosphere and mood of a story. In "The Black Cat," the setting primarily takes place in the narrator's house, while in "Stones," the story is set in a small Canadian town. Consider how the settings contribute to the overall tone and impact of each work.
5. Study the writing style: Edgar Allan Poe is known for his Gothic writing style, characterized by its dark, suspenseful, and sometimes supernatural elements. William Bell's writing style may differ, focusing on relatable, contemporary themes. Examine the narrative techniques, use of imagery, and tone in each work to understand how the authors convey their stories.
By following these steps, you can conduct a thorough analysis and make meaningful comparisons between "The Black Cat" by Edgar Allan Poe and "Stones" by William Bell. Remember to provide evidence from the texts to support your comparisons and interpretations.