I have to write a comparative essay and I'm stuck on something. My topic is to discuss symbolism in Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton and The Story of One Hour by Kate Chopin. I have to explain the similarities between the two books by using symbolism. I chosen two symbols from Ethan frome which are mattie silver's red scarf and red ribbon and the final sled run. I also chosen two symbols from the story of one hour which is the heart trouble and compared it w/ the final sled run and the open window to compare it with mattie's red scarf and etc.
But what im confused about is should the essay be entirely on symbolism. Can i include the setting of these stories and state how it furthers your understanding of symbolism or should i just not include the setting? I also thinking about including the puritans values which is almost similar to ethan frome because red is a major symbol throughout ethan frome.
Thanks a lot, i really appreciate this. =)
That all relates to symbolism, does it not?
Sra
Yes, basically you have to discuss symbolism in the stories and choose at least two symbolic objects in each story and explain how Edith Wharton gives them significant meaning.
---> Should i include setting and state how it furthers your understanding of symbolism because the final sled run as symbolism in ethan frome and open window as symbolism in the story of one hour both revolve around setting to show the true meaning of the story. I also thinking about including the puritan values and how it's similar to ethan frome.
I would organize this paper like this:
I. Intro
II. Brief synopsis of both stories (emphasis on "brief"!!)
III. Symbolism in first story
IV. Symbolism in second story
V. Opinion(s) about symbolism in both stories.
VI. Overall conclusion
My suggested section V. = your own opinions about symbolism; the conclusions you have drawn about how symbolism is used in stories like these; etc. (But not the conclusion to the entire paper... yet.)
Okay, thanks. So i guess i shouldn't include setting since it will steal away from symbolism. But should i include the puritans values? I was thinking about including how both writing style show romanticism. The similarities is Ethan Frome and Mrs. Mallard wish both of their spouser was dead so they have their freedom and independence and they start planning for their future. But when they see an image of their spouser they both go into a state of shock.
Yes, in that second section (may or may not be one paragraph; could be two), you could include setting and anything else about the two stories that your reader needs to understand before reading your paper on symbolism.
And remember that those Roman numerals stand for sections, not always single paragraphs.
Ok, I should of said thanks. Thanks a lot! This really helps me.
I'm glad it helps. You're very welcome. Now ... go get an A!! =)
When writing a comparative essay, it is important to consider what aspects of the texts you want to focus on. In this case, you have chosen symbolism as the main theme of your essay, which is a great choice since both texts use symbols to convey deeper meanings.
Since you have already selected specific symbols from both texts, it would be a good idea to center your essay around the analysis of these symbols and how they contribute to the overall meaning of the works. Exploring similarities and differences in the use of symbolism between the two texts can be the main thread of your essay.
However, that doesn't mean you should only focus on symbolism alone. It is completely acceptable and often beneficial to bring in other elements such as setting or themes to support your analysis of symbolism. In fact, discussing how the setting contextualizes the symbols used in each story can add depth to your analysis. For example, you could consider how the cold and bleak setting in Ethan Frome reinforces the symbolism of the final sled run or the significance of red in relation to Puritan values.
By including additional elements like setting and themes, you can enhance your understanding of the symbolism and provide a more comprehensive analysis of both works. Just be sure to tie them back to the central focus on symbolism and how it connects the two texts.
Remember to organize your essay in a logical and clear manner, focusing on specific points of comparison and providing evidence from the texts to support your analysis. Good luck with your essay!