Langston Hughes wrote a famous piece of literary criticism, “The Negro Artist and the Racial Mountain,” in which he posits that the “job” of an African American poet is to promote black pride. Hughes asserts that an African American poet should “change through the force of his art that old whispering ‘I want to be white’…to ‘Why should I want to be white? I am a Negro—and beautiful’” (701). Focusing on this assertion, compare “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” and “I, Too.” Considering theme, speaker, metaphor, personification, and/or other literary devices, let your comparison bring you to an evaluation of the poems. Which poem better achieves Hughes’ stated goal? (Be sure to answer the question in bold in your thesis!)
OR, Compare Anne Sexton’s “Cinderella” to the original fairy tale by the Grimm Brothers. Analyze the differences in tone, style, diction, allusions, etc. What comment does Sexton seem to be making about “Cinderella,” or about fairy tale romances in general? (Be sure to answer the question in bold in your thesis!)
Tips for Writing a Successful Comparison/Contrast Paper:
Don’t state the obvious. Point out similarities between two works that initially seem different or differences between two works that initially seem similar.
Avoid a laundry list of all the differences and similarities you can find; choose the most meaningful similarities or differences, the ones that help prove your thesis.
Give yourself a clear focus in your thesis. Overall, is your point that these works are primarily similar or different? Try a “While…” or “Although…” structure, like: “Although Disneyland and Magic Mountain are both theme parks, their differing philosophies, events, and community involvement reveal Disneyland to be the superior of the two.”
