Comparison and Contrast Writing
Emphasis
A common mistake in comparison and contrast writing no mater which schematic
or organizational mode the writer uses is to expend-or at least try to expend-exactly
the same energy comparing two similar things as he/she does contrasting them.
Similarly, if two things, places, persons or ideas are as different as salt
and knitting needles, the writer should not give equal time to contrasting
them as she/he does to comparing them.
First determine whether the two are more alike or more dissimilar. If more alike, remember it is the differences, not the similarities, by which we define them. Therefore, the writer must give most effort over to DISTINGUISHING (contrasting) the two, not to comparing like features. This is true, to some people's minds, of the Republican and Democratic parties. Many see little difference between them and both parties spend millions, perhaps billions, trying to bring out the distinguishing characteristics of their platforms and candidates in order to STAND OUT and be voted in. So similar items are predominately contrasted.
But when two items or ideas are much, much different, it is the similarities which, though few, tie them together. A honeymoon trip to Mt. Everest is certainly a contrast to a vacation spent on the beach in Jamaica, but it is the similarities, refreshing air, time away from the daily grind, support of Trans American Airlines and so on, that place each contrasting trip in the genus of "vacation travel." Using the political arena again, the Green Party, though as much different from both Republicans and Democrats as steam engines from erasers, wants, at the time the voters are choosing a viable and responsible party, to look something like either or both of the others. The Green Party wants to look respectable, long lasting, well funded, competent to govern, and full of good idea and programs which will help the electorate.
Another error writers make is to divide their efforts equally between the two subjects whether similar or different. Usually, this is not good. Equal does not always mean equitable or smart. One or the other of the "comparee's" holds more interest, if not for the writer, then for the reader, and should be given the greater portion of the discussion. If a writer were to compare Samuel L. Jackson with Denzel Washington, she or he might split the "air time" equally. But in a comparison of Samuel L. Jackson and Danny Glover, the more dynamic, well-screened and most recent star would certainly get the lion's share of the commentary.
So-by way of encouragement and advice- even though the schematic diagram shows equal time given to each "comparee" as well as each point of comparison, in real writing this is seldom, if ever, really done. Use the diagram as a guide to understanding, not as a straightjacket in which to stuff yourself and your ideas. Waste no time pointing out the obvious similarities -" both Jackson and Glover are African-American actors" - but cut straight to the telling differences -"Though Jackson lacks the depth of stage acting experience of Glover, his intensity on the screen would easily transfer to Broadway, an intensity more pervasive and of higher energy than his senior counterpart can even on occasion muster."
Determine (1) which, comparison or contrast, is warranted, (2) which item hold greater promise, and (3) which of the three structure-suggestions to follow. (4), Lay out the plan including examples to be used and (5) write the introduction followed by the discussion.
