choose 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.
"The Bass, the River and Sheila Mant"
Poems of Passages
My Forbidden face
"The Scarlet Ibis"
Answer should include similarities and differences for the following:
theme
plot
setting
major characters
tone
genre
For this essay, let's choose "The Scarlet Ibis" and "The Bass, the River and Sheila Mant" as the two reading selections to compare and contrast.
Similarities:
1. Theme: Both stories touch upon the theme of the complexities of relationships and the effects of pride. In "The Scarlet Ibis," the theme revolves around the strained and complicated relationship between two brothers and the destructiveness of pride. In "The Bass, the River and Sheila Mant," the theme explores the protagonist's internal conflict between his desire for Sheila and his fear of losing her, which ultimately stems from insecurity and pride.
2. Plot: Both stories contain elements of a coming-of-age narrative. In "The Scarlet Ibis," the plot follows the narrator and his mentally and physically disabled brother, Doodle, as they navigate their relationship and face the challenges of growing up. In "The Bass, the River and Sheila Mant," the plot focuses on the protagonist's attempts to impress his crush, Sheila, by taking her on a boating trip but ultimately having to make a difficult choice between Sheila and his passion for fishing.
Differences:
1. Setting: "The Scarlet Ibis" is set in a rural Southern community during the early 20th century. It takes place in the narrator's home, as well as in outdoor spaces such as the family's yard, the nearby swamp, and a stormy day at the beach. In contrast, "The Bass, the River and Sheila Mant" is set in a more contemporary suburban neighborhood, with a particular focus on the protagonist's house, the river where he goes fishing, and the boat he uses.
2. Major Characters: In "The Scarlet Ibis," the major characters are the unnamed narrator and his disabled brother, Doodle, as well as their parents. The main character in "The Bass, the River and Sheila Mant" is the unnamed protagonist, with Sheila being the love interest.
3. Tone: The tone in "The Scarlet Ibis" is often nostalgic and reflective, as the story is narrated by the older version of the protagonist, who looks back on the events of his youth. In comparison, "The Bass, the River and Sheila Mant" has a more lighthearted and humorous tone, due to the protagonist's voice and the comedic situations he encounters.
4. Genre: "The Scarlet Ibis" is a short story, while "The Bass, the River and Sheila Mant" is a realistic fiction. The former allows for a more focused and condensed narrative, while the latter offers more room for character development and exploration of themes.
In conclusion, while both "The Scarlet Ibis" and "The Bass, the River and Sheila Mant" share similar themes and plot elements, they differ in terms of their settings, major characters, tone, and genre. These distinctions give each story its unique atmosphere and storytelling approach.