In this portfolio, you will compare two stories: Amy’s Metaphor by Elisa Oh and From Scratch by Susie Castellano. Both stories are about a girl who sees herself as “different.” Both girls struggle with their feelings. They think about how other people view who they are and how they view themselves. The stories are similar in some ways and different in other
ways.
In Amy’s Metaphor, the protagonist Amy struggles with feeling different from her classmates because of her heritage. She feels like she doesn’t fit in and is constantly trying to hide that part of herself. She is embarrassed by her Korean heritage and tries to blend in with her American classmates. However, through a school project where she is tasked with creating a metaphor about herself, she learns to embrace her heritage and see it as a valuable part of who she is.
In From Scratch, the protagonist also struggles with feeling different, but in a different way. She feels self-conscious about her weight and compares herself to her thinner classmates. She struggles to accept herself and seeks validation from others. However, through a cooking class where she learns to bake from scratch, she gains confidence in herself and realizes that her worth is not determined by her appearance.
Both stories explore the themes of identity, self-acceptance, and overcoming societal expectations. Both girls struggle with feelings of inadequacy and insecurity, but ultimately learn to embrace who they are and see their differences as strengths.
While both stories share some similarities in terms of their themes, they also have distinct differences. Amy’s struggle is more outwardly focused, as she grapples with her cultural identity and how others perceive her. On the other hand, the protagonist in From Scratch is more internally focused, dealing with body image issues and self-esteem.
Overall, both stories offer valuable insights into the struggles that young girls face in navigating their sense of self in a complex and judgmental world. They both serve as reminders that everyone is unique and should celebrate their differences rather than conforming to societal expectations.
To compare these stories, you will examine each author’s writing style and tone. You will explore each story’s organization. You will consider how each author develops her characters and a point of view for her story.
Elisa Oh’s writing style in Amy’s Metaphor is reflective and introspective. She delves deep into the protagonist’s thoughts and emotions, allowing readers to fully understand Amy’s internal struggles. Oh uses vivid imagery and evocative language to describe Amy’s journey towards self-acceptance. The tone of the story is thoughtful and poignant, as Amy grapples with her identity and learns to embrace her heritage.
On the other hand, Susie Castellano’s writing style in From Scratch is more lighthearted and humorous. Castellano infuses humor and wit into her storytelling, making the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery entertaining and relatable. The tone of the story is upbeat and encouraging, as the protagonist learns to love herself for who she is.
In terms of organization, Amy’s Metaphor is structured around the school project where Amy creates a metaphor about herself. This provides a clear narrative arc for the story and allows readers to see Amy’s growth and transformation. The story unfolds chronologically, with flashbacks to Amy’s past experiences that shape her perception of herself.
From Scratch is organized around the protagonist’s journey through a cooking class. Each lesson in the baking class mirrors a different aspect of the protagonist’s personal growth and self-acceptance. The story is structured around these lessons, giving readers a clear sense of progression and development.
Both authors develop their characters effectively, giving them depth and complexity. Elisa Oh portrays Amy as a multi-dimensional character who struggles with conflicting emotions and desires. Readers can empathize with Amy’s internal turmoil and root for her as she learns to love herself. Susie Castellano creates a relatable protagonist in From Scratch, whose humor and vulnerability make her endearing to readers. The characters in both stories undergo growth and transformation, showing the power of self-acceptance and inner strength.
Overall, both Elisa Oh and Susie Castellano excel in developing their characters and crafting compelling narratives that explore themes of identity and self-acceptance. Their distinct writing styles and tones contribute to the richness of their stories, making them engaging and meaningful reads.