COMPARISON ESSAY TEMPLATE

Here is a potential template for a comparison essay:

COMPARISON ESSAY TEMPLATE

I. Introduction

- Provide background information on the two subjects being compared

- State the main purpose of the essay

- Introduce the thesis statement

II. Body Paragraphs

- Discuss the first subject

- Discuss the second subject

- Compare and contrast the two subjects

- Provide examples or evidence to support the comparisons

III. Conclusion

- Summarize the main points of the essay

- Restate the thesis statement in a new, more conclusive way

- End with a final thought or observation about the two subjects.

Example:

Introduction:

The American Dream is a concept that has been present in American culture for many years. It is the idea that anyone can achieve success and happiness through hard work and determination. The Great Gatsby, a novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, explores this concept through the story of Jay Gatsby and his pursuit of the American Dream. On the other hand, Death of a Salesman, a play by Arthur Miller, also explores the idea of the American Dream, but focuses on the downfall of a man named Willy Loman. The two works offer different perspectives on the American Dream, and in this essay, we will compare and contrast these perspectives.

Body Paragraphs:

In The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby is a self-made man who rises from humble beginnings to become wealthy and successful. He believes that through hard work and determination, he can achieve his dreams and win the love of the woman he desires. Despite the challenges he faces, Gatsby remains determined and ultimately achieves his goal of reuniting with Daisy Buchanan. In this way, The Great Gatsby presents the American Dream as something that can be achieved through hard work and perseverance.

On the other hand, Death of a Salesman presents the American Dream in a more negative light. Willy Loman is a man who has dedicated his life to achieving the American Dream, but he ultimately fails. He is unable to provide for his family and ends up losing everything. The play suggests that the American Dream is an elusive and unattainable goal that can only lead to disappointment and failure.

Both works explore the idea of the American Dream, but they offer different perspectives on it. The Great Gatsby presents the American Dream as something that can be achieved, while Death of a Salesman suggests that it is an impossible goal. However, both works also show that the pursuit of the American Dream can have negative consequences. In The Great Gatsby, Gatsby's pursuit of the dream leads him to engage in illegal activities and ultimately results in his death. In Death of a Salesman, Willy's pursuit of the dream leads to his downfall and the destruction of his family.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, The Great Gatsby and Death of a Salesman offer different perspectives on the American Dream. The Great Gatsby presents the dream as something that can be achieved through hard work and determination, while Death of a Salesman suggests that it is an unattainable goal. Despite these differences, both works show that the pursuit of the American Dream can have negative consequences. Ultimately, both works serve as cautionary tales about the dangers of chasing after the American Dream.