hoose two reading selections from below to compare and contrast. In answering the essay question, it may be helpful to use the list below of major selections.
Selections include the following:
"The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant"
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Poems of Passage
My Forbidden Face
Introduction to Shelf Life
"The Scarlet Ibis"
Riding the Bus with My Sister
Poems of Mothers and Grandmothers
"My Brother's Keeper"
"The Interlopers"
Of Wolves and Men
Poems of Nature
An Inconvenient Truth
Tsunami 2004
The Birds
"A Sound of Thunder"
"Nethergrave"
"The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World"
"Borders"
"Delfino II: Diez in the Desert"
Poems across the Divide
"Hip-Hop Planet"
"Ka' Ba"
"Blues Ain't No Mockin Bird"
Your answer should include similarities and differences for the following:
theme
plot
setting
major characters
tone
genre (nonfiction, memoir, etc.)
For this essay, I will choose to compare and contrast the following two selections: "The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant" and "The Scarlet Ibis."
Both "The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant" and "The Scarlet Ibis" share the theme of coming of age and the conflicts that arise during this process. In both stories, the main characters face challenges that force them to confront their own limitations and ultimately leads to their growth and maturity.
The plot of "The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant" revolves around a young boy who falls in love with a girl named Sheila Mant, but faces a dilemma when he catches a large bass while on a date with her. He must choose between impressing Sheila by keeping the fish or releasing it back into the river to continue his passion for fishing. On the other hand, "The Scarlet Ibis" tells the story of a young boy named Doodle with physical disabilities, and his brother's efforts to train him to be normal. Despite initial progress, Doodle's brother pushes him too hard, leading to tragic consequences. While both plots focus on the development of the protagonist, the conflicts and resolutions differ significantly.
The setting also differs greatly in the two stories. "The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant" takes place primarily on a river where the protagonist spends his summer days fishing. The river symbolizes tranquility and escape from the complexities of the real world. In contrast, "The Scarlet Ibis" is set in the rural South during the early 20th century. The rich descriptions of the swamp, the family's home, and the stormy weather contribute to a sense of isolation and hardship.
The major characters in both stories are young boys who face challenges that shape their development. In "The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant," the protagonist is a shy and introspective boy who values his solitary fishing experiences but also desires social acceptance. Sheila Mant represents the external pressures and conflicting desires that the protagonist must navigate. In "The Scarlet Ibis," the protagonist is a determined and sometimes cruel older brother who struggles with his own pride and insecurities. Doodle serves as a symbol of vulnerability and the need for acceptance.
The tone of "The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant" is nostalgic and bittersweet. The narrator reflects upon the summer of his youth with a sense of longing and regret. On the other hand, "The Scarlet Ibis" evokes a sense of sadness and tragedy. The tone is somber and reflects the harsh consequences of the characters' actions.
In terms of genre, "The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant" is a short story, while "The Scarlet Ibis" is a work of fiction. Both stories, however, are fictional narratives that explore universal themes and human experiences.
In conclusion, while "The Bass, the River, and Sheila Mant" and "The Scarlet Ibis" share the theme of coming of age, they differ greatly in terms of plot, setting, major characters, tone, and genre. These differences highlight the unique ways in which each story explores the challenges and growth of its characters.