A Comparative Analysis of Venture Smith and Frederick Douglass'

-Purpose: The essay should identify and discuss how the authors convey the themes presented in the two pieces through use of nonfiction elements. -Instructions: First, identify the theme of both pieces. Next, create a comparison chart to explore how both authors use literary devices to convey the theme. Decide whether that use is effective or ineffective. As previously mentioned, you can use the chart as a tool to collect information about both pieces—information that can then be used in the essay. -Introduction: In the first paragraph, identify the titles and authors of the selected essays. The opening paragraph must provide a broad, but accurate, synopsis of the two essays as well as a clearly defined thesis statement. The thematic synthesis essay thesis statement should state the theme and the literary devices to discuss in the body paragraphs. Also, the thesis statement should clarify how the literary devices effectively or ineffectively convey the theme. -Body Paragraphs: When comparing and/or contrasting two pieces, students should strive for an organization that helps the reader establish relationships among the information. Two common methods for comparing and/or contrasting items in an essay are block format and point-by-point. Block format allows students to discuss one piece completely before discussing the other piece. The following sample outline provides a general overview of the way in which one could organize the essay using the block method. 1. Introduction 2. Body paragraphs A) Nonfiction piece A (block 1) 1. Literary device 1 2. Literary device 2 3. Literary device 3 B) Nonfiction piece B (block 2) 1. Literary device 1 2. Literary device 2 3. Literary device 3 3. Conclusion The point-by-point method allows the you to move back and forth between two or three nonfiction elements being compared and/or contrasted, as in the following sample outline. 1. Introduction 2. Body paragraphs A) Literary device 1 (point 1) 1. Nonfiction piece A 2. Nonfiction piece B B) Literary device 2 (point 2) 1. Nonfiction piece A 2. Nonfiction piece B C) Literary device 3 (point 3) 1. Nonfiction piece A 2. Nonfiction piece B 3. Conclusion The key to using these organizational methods is to be consistent in the ideas presented. For example, with the block format, make sure to discuss literary devices 1, 2, and 3 for nonfiction piece A and then literary devices 1, 2, and 3 for nonfiction piece B. In point-by-point format, discuss literary devices 1 for both nonfiction pieces A and B before moving on to literary devices 2. Another important consideration with both organizational methods is to use transitional words and phrases to help the reader understand connections among the ideas. Choose the organizational method that supports the essay's purpose. To give a reader a complete, overall picture of each nonfiction piece, use the block format. However, to present a number of distinct points from both pieces for the reader to consider individually, use point-by-point. Regardless of the paper's organization, present a balanced, objective analysis of both nonfiction pieces. Conclusion The closing paragraph should restate the main ideas discussed in the essay but should not repeat the language in the introduction or body paragraphs verbatim. For the writer, the conclusion is the final opportunity to make a lasting impression in the reader's mind. Keep in mind that a strong conclusion resonates with the reader. Writing about themes, which tend to address broader issues, presents a unique opportunity to make a statement or observation about the larger world. ****ON THE ATTACHED FILES ARE THE TWO NARRATIVES THAT ARE GOING TO BE USED FOR THIS ESSAY*****