romeo and juliet compare and contrast essay for love vs infatuation
Here are some sites that will help with R&J:
http://nfs.sparknotes.com/
Click on Romeo and Juliet and then on the act and scene you want to reread.
http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/
Click on Romeo and Juliet and then read many sections and act/scene summaries, too, if you need them.
Whenever you are writing a comparison/contrast paper (paragraph, essay, research paper), you need to plan it out very carefully on paper first.
Try this:
1. Write all the information about one of your topics on one page.
2. Write all the information about the other topic on another page.
3. Then put them together in this order:
1. Intro
2. All about topic A
~~~2A. detail 1
~~~2B. detail 2
~~~2C. detail 3
~~~2D. detail 4
~~~2E. detail 5
3. All about topic B
~~~3A. detail 1
~~~3B. detail 2
~~~3C. detail 3
~~~3D. detail 4
~~~3E. detail 5
4. Concl.
The number of details for each topic will vary depending on your main points. I would include comparisons (how they are similar) in the introduction and conclusion, but sections 2 and 3 and all those details will be stating and explaining how they are different.
There are two recognized patterns for writing comparison/contrast papers. One is casually referred to as "zig-zag,” but can be very confusing for the reader if you don’t use transitions effectively. The other is topic-by-topic (which is what I've outlined above) and is much easier for the reader to follow.
See http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/comparcontrast.html for further help with comparison/contrast writing.
Once you have organized your information, please re-post if you’d like feedback from someone here.
To write a compare and contrast essay on the theme of love versus infatuation in Romeo and Juliet, you will need to analyze the characteristics and development of both types of relationships in the play. Here's how you can approach it:
1. Read the play: Begin by thoroughly reading and understanding Romeo and Juliet. Pay close attention to the interactions between characters, their motivations, and the language they use to describe their feelings.
2. Define love and infatuation: Before analyzing the relationships in the play, define the concepts of love and infatuation. Love is typically characterized by deep affection, commitment, and selflessness, while infatuation often involves intense passion, obsession, and irrational behavior.
3. Identify examples of love: Look for instances in the play that exemplify the theme of love. These can include the love between Romeo and Juliet, the love between Juliet and her Nurse, or the love within Romeo's friend group. Analyze how these relationships are portrayed, the sacrifices made, and the depth of the characters' emotions.
4. Identify examples of infatuation: Similarly, identify examples of infatuation in the play. This can include Romeo's infatuation with Rosaline at the beginning of the play, the infatuation Juliet's parents have with maintaining social standing, or the infatuation Paris has with Juliet. Examine how these infatuations differ from the genuine love in the play, noting the superficiality and lack of true connection.
5. Analyze the differences: Once you have identified these examples, delve deeper into the differences between love and infatuation in Romeo and Juliet. Consider aspects such as time, commitment, maturity, selflessness, and long-term consequences. Discuss how love develops slowly over time, while infatuation often manifests quickly and fades just as fast.
6. Examine the consequences: Discuss the outcomes of both love and infatuation in the play. Highlight how genuine love between Romeo and Juliet leads to personal growth, sacrifice, and ultimately tragedy. Compare this with the negative implications of infatuation, such as a lack of communication, hasty decision-making, and the deaths of multiple characters.
7. Provide evidence: Back up your analysis with quotes and specific examples from the play. Embed these quotations into your essay to support your statements and reinforce your arguments.
8. Structure your essay: Your essay should follow a clear structure, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Introduce the topic in the beginning, present your arguments in the body paragraphs, and summarize your findings in the conclusion.
Remember to proofread your essay to ensure clarity, coherence, and proper grammar usage. By thoroughly analyzing the differences between love and infatuation in Romeo and Juliet, you will produce a strong and compelling compare and contrast essay.