How to Write Comparative Essays in Language and Literature

A comparative Language and Literature essay compares two texts -- examining their differences and
similarities -- while making a single overall point about the texts, authors or world in general. The goal
of the essay is not to summarize the texts; rather it involves thinking critically about themes to
draw broader conclusions.

The essay question gives your essay a focus. It should address both texts but not act as a summary of
either one. Instead, your essay question should make a specific point about the correlation
between the two texts. One effective foundation for a thesis statement in a comparative (literature)
essay is a (literary) theme.

Start writing an introduction.

 In the introduction you introduce the theme – which, in this paper, is a given in the essay question
of your choice.
 A theme is often universal like growing up or love and is found by reading the text and determining
what it’s about. This means that the introduction is not about the text as such, but a way into an in-
depth analysis of the text. When you write your introduction, you start out in general terms and in
the last lines you introduce the texts you are about to analyze. Remember to include the titles and
the authors of the texts.

Organize
Organization is particularly crucial in a comparative essay. Whether you choose the "text-by-text"
structure or the "point-by-point" structure, you should create an outline of the essay structure
before you write.

“How to write a five paragraph-essay” is a good guideline to the structure of your paper.

Make certain you are presenting a balanced analysis of both texts, rather than focusing more
heavily on one.

Analyze
The comparison of the two texts is made through analysis, in which you examine aspects of the
story including stylistic and literary devices. The analysis asks how and why the two pieces of
literature are similar and different, and what those similarities and differences express about the texts
and about their themes. Analysis requires your interpretation of the texts as well as your reflections on
society, morals, history and human nature.

Use Quotations as Evidence

In a Language and Literature essay, you must provide evidence from both texts, in the form of direct
quotations, to support your comparisons. Every quotation in your essay must be properly cited.

The evidence must directly support the point you are making in the paragraph, as well as the thesis
statement of the essay.