What are the important elements to consider when writing a compare and contrast essay for short stories?

The characters are a key aspect to consider. Consider 'The Cask of Amontillado' and 'Bartleby, the Scrivener'. In 'The Cask of Amontillado', Montresor is a vengeful character with a dark plan, while Fortunato is a proud and gullible man. In 'Bartleby, the Scrivener', Bartleby is a passive - aggressive and mysterious character. The symbolism in the stories is also important. In 'The Cask of Amontillado', the catacombs can symbolize death and Montresor's dark psyche. In 'Bartleby, the Scrivener', Bartleby's 'I would prefer not to' can symbolize resistance or a sense of alienation. Moreover, the conflict in the stories is different. In 'The Cask of Amontillado', it's a personal vendetta, and in 'Bartleby, the Scrivener', it's a conflict between Bartleby and the work - centric world around him.

The plot is crucial. A simple plot in one story can be contrasted with a complex, multi - layered plot in another. Also, the character's motivation. In some short stories, characters are driven by revenge, while in others it could be love or ambition. Another important element is the use of symbols. Some stories may use a particular object as a powerful symbol throughout, while others may not rely on symbols much.

When comparing and contrasting short stories, several elements come to the fore. Firstly, the mood. A short story can create a happy, sad, or eerie mood. Compare how different stories achieve this through their descriptions and events. Secondly, the character relationships. Are the characters friends, enemies, or family? And how do these relationships develop? Thirdly, the cultural context. A short story from a different culture might have values and beliefs that are distinct from another. By looking at these elements, you can better understand the similarities and differences between short stories.

First, consider the plot. Is it fast - paced or slow - moving? Does it have a lot of twists and turns or is it more straightforward? Second, look at the tone. Is it serious, humorous, or sarcastic? Third, examine the narrative voice. A strong, confident narrative voice is different from a hesitant or unreliable one. These elements can help you compare and contrast short stories effectively.

The characters are important. You can compare how characters develop in different stories. Some might grow a great deal, while in other stories characters remain static. For example, in 'The Catcher in the Rye', Holden Caulfield goes through a certain amount of self - discovery. The plot structure is also key. Linear plots are different from non - linear ones. In 'Memento', the non - linear plot makes it stand out compared to many traditional stories with a straightforward timeline.

Well, first off, the style of writing is important. A highly literary, poetic style is distinct from a more colloquial, accessible style. The time frame of the story is also a factor. A story that spans generations is different from one that takes place over a short period. The cultural background of the story is significant too. It can influence everything from the values of the characters to the types of conflicts they face. And the level of suspense in the story can be compared. Some stories keep you guessing until the very end, while others are more predictable.

Themes are important. For instance, a short story about friendship will be very different from one about revenge. Also, the character's motivation matters. Are they driven by greed, love or something else? Another aspect is the narrative pace. Some short stories move quickly, while others are more slow - paced, building tension gradually.

The key is to have a clear structure. Begin with an introduction that sets the stage. In the body, compare and contrast different aspects of the short stories one by one. Finally, summarize your main points in the conclusion. Also, use good transitions to make your essay flow smoothly.

The characters are important. If in one story there are three friends and in the other there's just one main character, that's a big difference. Also, the setting matters. A story set in a castle is very different from one set in a schoolyard. And the events in the story, like if there are magical things happening in one and normal daily activities in the other.

To write a compare and contrast essay on short stories, you need to do in - depth analysis. Consider the point of view of each story. Is it first - person or third - person? This can greatly affect how the story is told and what the reader understands. Also, think about the symbols used in the stories. For instance, in 'A Rose for Emily', the rose can be seen as a symbol of love or pity. Compare this to other short stories where symbols play a role. In the body of your essay, you can use transition words like 'however', 'similarly' to show the comparison and contrast clearly. The conclusion should tie everything together and show how the comparison and contrast of these short stories gives a deeper understanding of the works as a whole.