Narrative Structure
examine the ways in which the authors dramatize the concept of perspective. To what extent are the authors implying that individuals need to rethink their beliefs about their abilities to understand themselves and the world around them? Why is it important that individuals in both works are attempting to define themselves in relation to their perceptions of reality, and how does that affect the way in which they respond to the external world? Are they able to complete that process through the course of the works, and how is that relevant to the point of each work? What are the authors saying about the way in which an individuals consciousness controls, and is controlled by, external reality? What is the significance of the narrative structure (first- or third-person point of view) of each work in terms of this theme? In terms of the structure of the essay you write, I would recommend that you begin by defining whether or not the authors are making the same point in the two works (and, if so, what that point is, and, if not, what the main point of each work is), and then proceed to analyze one of the works in depth, showing how the various parts of the work contribute to the overall meaning. Then, shift over to the other work and analyze it, making appropriate comparisons and contrasts with the first one as you go. Conclude by restating your overall comparative point. If you merely bounce back and forth between individual points without contextualizing them, their relevance is unclear. Remember that your reader is familiar with the works, so you do not need to summarize them; you should, however, provide textual citations to support your assertions, using correct format to do so. The questions listed above are intended as guidelines, not as strict requirements, so do not try too hard to answer all of them in the order in which they are presented. Please do not do research for this paper; I am interested in your analysis, not that of the critics/experts.
