Choose one of the following topics and write at least 200 words.
3. Compare and contrast Grace and Jo-Anne.
Compare and contrast Grace and Jo-Anne.
In the short story “The Slip-over Sweater” by Jesse Stuart, the main character Shan is also the narrator. That means we see everything through his eyes, including the two most important girls in his life, Grace and Jo-Anne.
Shan reveals he used to be in love with Grace when they were younger. It turns out that, by the end of the story, he falls back in love with her. Grace is described as a beautiful, strong girl. Similarly to Shan, she has a connection with nature, especially the mountain close to their school. No wonder Shan uses the mountain when describing her qualities:
"And I knew she had the durability and the toughness of a storm-battered mountain oak."
"Grace was as beautiful as our mountain was in April, prettier than a blossom of wild phlox or a mountain daisy."
Grace is sensitive and sensible, hard-working and empathetic. She goes out of her way to help Shan pay the debt he made because of Jo-Anne. She is observant, and attentive, which allows her to read Shan easily and ready herself to help him.
Jo-Anne is Grace’s opposite. That does not mean she is not a good person. She has a different background and upbringing, and a different personality as well. She does not see the world or people the way Grace does. She likes Shan for more superficial reasons. Jo-Anne finds him handsome, which is why she thinks he should get the sweater. Jo-Anne finds him fun, which is why she spends time with him. Unlike Grace, who has a type of peculiar beauty, Jo-Anne is an obviously pretty girl.
"I loved everybody, but I worshiped Jo-Anne Burton.”
Notice how Shan does not say he loved her. Jo-Anne is not the type of girl who would inspire love in Shan. He adores her for her beauty, popularity, and charm. However, once he gets worried about his debt – the debt he made to get the sweater Jo-Anne wanted -, he stops being funny. Constantly concerned, Shan is not fun anymore. Jo-Anner never asks him what is wrong, as Grace does. She never offers to help. She simply decides not to waste her time with him anymore. Of course, before she even decides to do that, Shan has already realized he is in fact in love with Grace. His obsession with Jo-Anne is long gone.
To compare and contrast Grace and Jo-Anne, you will need to analyze their similarities and differences in various aspects such as personality, appearance, interests, and values. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to approach this task:
1. Gather information about Grace: Begin by researching or recalling information about Grace. Take note of her personality traits, physical appearance, hobbies, and any other relevant details that differentiate her from other characters or individuals. This might include gathering information from books, movies, or personal experiences.
2. Gather information about Jo-Anne: Similarly, gather information about Jo-Anne by researching or recalling relevant details about her personality, appearance, hobbies, and values. Consider any characteristics that set Jo-Anne apart from Grace or other individuals.
3. Identify similarities: Once you have gathered information about both Grace and Jo-Anne, begin by identifying any shared characteristics between the two. For example, both Grace and Jo-Anne might be kind-hearted or have a passion for music. Note down these similarities.
4. Identify differences: Next, highlight the key differences between Grace and Jo-Anne. Look for contrasting qualities such as their sense of humor, physical appearance, or interests. For instance, Grace might be introverted while Jo-Anne is extroverted, or Grace may enjoy painting while Jo-Anne prefers dancing.
5. Analyze the impact of their differences: After identifying the differences, consider their impact on their lives and relationships. Explore how these contrasting qualities influence their interactions with other characters or their personal growth throughout a story or their lives.
6. Draw conclusions: Using the information you've gathered, analyzed, and compared, draw conclusions about Grace and Jo-Anne. Summarize their similarities and differences, highlighting any significant factors that distinguish them from each other.
7. Provide examples: To support your comparisons, give specific examples or instances from their respective stories or personal experiences that illustrate their similarities and differences.
By following these steps, you will be able to compare and contrast Grace and Jo-Anne in a comprehensive manner, ensuring a thorough analysis of their individual qualities and their impact on their lives and relationships.