When comparing two texts, where do I start?

Even with the most seemingly unrelated texts, comparison between them is easy once you have the knack. Just because you are asked to compare them, doesn’t mean you need to argue how they are similar; if you think they aren’t, argue it! Examiners love originality, not conforming to what you think you need to say! A good structure for comparative essays is the Form – Structure – Language model. Here you can start from a general stance, and work towards being more specific and in depth. Form refers to the text itself: is it a poem, if so, what kind? What are the connotations of this form? How do the two relate to one another, and why? Structure: what are the themes of the text? How does that relate to the form? How do they relate to each other? Are there structural devices that are similar, or similar but used for different functions? (Repetitions, allusions, anaphoras, irony, forshadowing, imagery, parallels) Language: This is where you use your close reading, picking out certain words and combinations to further your argument. These can include juxtapositions, onomatopoeias, alliterations, metaphors, hyperbole, personifications, etc) The conclusion should wrap up the argument you stated in the introduction, giving the essay a well rounded, analytical discourse.